Morrissey slams The Simpsons for "unapologetically hurtful and racist" parody

Yahoo!

Sunday's “Panic On The Streets of Springfield” episode saw Lisa dream up a new imaginary friend named Quilloughby modeled on The Smiths frontman Morrissey, played by Benedict Cumberbatch with music composed by Flight of the Conchords' Bret McKenzie. Although The Simpsons writer Tim Long said in advance of Sunday's episode that Quilloughby was a composite of other 1980s UK singers, including The Cure’s Robert Smith and Joy Division’s Ian Curtis, it was clear that the character's chief inspiration was Morrissey. The singer's handlers also posted a teaser on Facebook, anticipating that the episode would feature a positive homage. But after the portrayal turned out to be unflattering, Morrissey issued a lengthy statement on his Facebook page. "Surprising what a 'turn for the worst' the writing for The Simpson’s tv show has taken in recent years," he wrote, repeatedly misspelling the show's name. "Sadly, The Simpson’s show started out creating great insight into the modern cultural experience, but has since degenerated to trying to capitalize on cheap controversy and expounding on vicious rumors. Poking fun at subjects is one thing. Other shows like SNL still do a great job at finding ways to inspire great satire. But when a show stoops so low to use harshly hateful tactics like showing the Morrissey character with his belly hanging out of his shirt (when he has never looked like that at any point in his career) makes you wonder who the real hurtful, racist group is here. Even worse - calling the Morrissey character out for being a racist, without pointing out any specific instances, offers nothing. It only serves to insult the artist. They should take that mirror and hold it up to themselves. Simpson’s actor Hank Azaria's recent apology to the whole country of India for his role in upholding 'structural racism' says it all. Unlike the character in the Simpson’s 'Panic' episode…….Morrissey has never made a 'cash grab', hasn’t sued any people for their attacks, has never stopped performing great shows, and is still a serious vegan and strong supporter for animal rights. By suggesting all of the above in this episode…the Simpson’s hypocritical approach to their storyline says it all. Truly they are the only ones who have stopped creating, and have instead turned unapologetically hurtful and racist. Not surprising…... that The Simpsons viewership ratings have gone down so badly over recent years."