Simpsons-Family Guy crossover episode under fire over 'troubling' rape joke
"Hello Moe, your sister’s being raped."
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It has yet to even air, but the Simpsons – Family Guy crossover has already got some up in arms over a joke the punchline of which is "your sister's being raped".
The joke featured in the trailer which debuted at Comic Con in July, but is getting talked about now as it seems Fox won't be editing it out when the hour-long special airs in the US on Sunday.
It starts with a familiar Simpsons gag set-up:
"Moe's Tavern, Moe speaking."
"Uh yeah, I'm looking for a friend, last name Ki-Bum, first name Lee?
"Hang on I'll check, hey guys do I got a Lee Ki-Bum, do I got a Lee Ki-Bum?"
But then Stewie tries his hand at the prank:
"Hello Moe, your sister’s being raped."
Full trailer:
This is far from the most controversial joke Family Guy has aired, but it seems to be causing outrage by proximity to the usually fairly moral Simpsons.
Tim Winter of the Parents Television Council (yes that's a real thing) told AP: "I was blown out of my shoes when I saw the scene with the rape joke in it, It really troubled me."
He said he had written to creators Matt Groening and Seth MacFarlane asking that the joke be removed, but hadn't received a response from either them nor Fox.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments