Morrissey Is Beefing With 'The Simpsons'

While there are few who are happy with The Simpsons recent output, the most notable critic this week is Smiths singer Morrissey, who found himself the subject of a parody episode last weekend.

In the episode "Panic On The Streets Of Springfield," Lisa discovers "The Snuffs," a band that's clearly meant to be a legally distinct version of The Smiths, with a lead singer named "Quilloughby," a legally distinct Morrissey parody voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch. Lisa learns that Quilloughby is a vegan and adopts the lifestyle. When she's teased for the decision, a young Quilloughby becomes her imaginary friend. Eventually, she sees Quilloughby in concert and discovers he's an aged, meat-gorging bigot.

Morrissey, who frequently shares his opinions on social media, took umbrage with the parody and lambasted The Simpsons on social media.

Surprising what a “turn for the worst” the writing for The Simpson’s tv show has taken in recent years. 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.”

The Simpsons have yet to address Morrissey's grievances and have in fact been indulging in the goodwill their recent episode inspired on social media, releasing an extended version of the episode and dropping some of The Smiths' parody songs, composed by Flight of the Conchords' Bret McKenzie, on social media.

Haven’t seen a Simpson’s episode that I thought was good in a long time. This “Morrissey” one is great! #SimpsonsSmiths

— Stephen Martinez (@sTnez) April 19, 2021

If you think the people that work at The Simpsons are anything other than ecstatic at Morrissey complaining publicly about last night's episode, I have a monorail to sell you.

— That Guy (@ThatGuy3002) April 19, 2021

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