Frontman for The Smiths, Morrissey has hit out at the Simpsons for sending up the Smiths in their latest episode which aired over the weekend.
The episode Panic On The Streets Of Springfield saw Lisa make an imaginary friend, a depressed Indie Rock singer from 1980s Britain.
“Turn for the worst”
Hours after the episode aired, Morrissey hit out at the Simpsons, branding them “unapologetically hurtful and racist”.
According to the singer/songwriter’s official Facebook page, he stated this.
“Surprising what a “turn for the worst“ the writing for The Simpson’s tv show has taken in recent years”, the statement began.
It continued, “Sadly, The Simpson’s show started out creating great insight into the modern cultural experience, but has since degenerated to trying to capitalise 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”.
Morrissey also added, “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”.
“Hypocritical”
Morrissey also faced recent criticism of his own. The singer recently appeared on the TV show Fallon, wearing a badge featuring the logo of a far-right anti-islam party in Britain.
Morrissey’s statement also mentioned actor Hank Azaria’s recent apology for the “structural racism” he felt he brought with his portrayal of the Simpsons character Apu. In his statement, Morrissey branded this as “hypocrital”.
“Simpson’s actor Hank Azaria’s recent apology to the whole country of India for his role in upholding ”structural racism” says it all”.
He also added, “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”.
Morrissey concluded by saying, “Not surprising…… that The Simpsons viewership ratings have gone down so badly over recent years”.
