Trey Parker’s Humorous Apology to Trump After Controversial Episode
The creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, have recently stirred up the political waters with their latest episode mocking President Donald Trump. The premiere of the show’s 27th season, which aired on Wednesday, featured a number of jabs aimed at the president, including a satirical scene showing him in bed with Satan.
In response to the backlash, Parker delivered a light-hearted apology during a panel discussion at Comic-Con International in San Diego. With a notably unserious demeanor, he remarked, “We’re terribly sorry,” in response to inquiries regarding the episode’s reception.
White House Response
The reaction from the White House was swift and dismissive, labeling South Park as a “fourth-rate” show clinging to irrelevance. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers criticized the series, claiming it has not been relevant for over two decades and that its recent attempts to regain attention were uninspired. She stated, “President Trump has delivered on more promises in just six months than any other president in our country’s history – and no fourth-rate show can derail President Trump’s hot streak.”
Episode Highlights
In what has been described as one of South Park‘s most intense episodes yet, Parker and Stone tackle themes of censorship, litigation, and the intertwining of religion with politics. The episode draws particular attention to Trump’s penchant for using lawsuits against those who challenge him. In a comedic twist, the show includes a reminder from Jesus, a recurring character, urging the townsfolk to settle their disputes amicably, citing the recent history of CBS and comedian Stephen Colbert.
The concluding voiceover in the episode humorously notes about Trump, “His penis is teeny tiny, but his love for us is large,” leaving audiences amused and shocked in equal measure. Critics like Stuart Heritage from The Guardian have labeled this episode “South Park’s most furious episode ever,” while Hollywood Reporter termed it “shocking,” confirming its deliverance of both humor and controversy.
A New Chapter for South Park
This episode comes on the heels of a significant deal between the creators and Paramount+, wherein they secured a five-year agreement for 50 new episodes along with streaming rights to previous seasons. This deal, rumored to be worth approximately $1.5 billion (£1.1 billion), was finalized following a competitive bidding war among various streaming platforms.
In the lead-up to the episode’s release, Parker had expressed uncertainty about its reception, stating, “Even just three days ago, we were like, ‘I don’t know if people are going to like this.'” However, reflecting on the show’s trajectory over the years, he acknowledged the challenge of consistently tackling Trump in their series. “We’re becoming: ‘Tune in to see what we’re going to say about Trump.’ Matt and I hated it but we got stuck in it somehow,” he admitted in a past interview, hoping to return to their roots of exploring the wild antics of children.
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Episode Title | Sermon on the Mount |
| Year Established | 1997 |
| Number of New Episodes in Deal | 50 |
| Deal Value | $1.5 billion (£1.1 billion) |
This latest episode serves as yet another example of South Park’s blend of humor and sharp social commentary, as Parker and Stone continue to push boundaries while navigating the tumultuous landscape of contemporary politics.
