After years of bashing everything under the sun, it looks like an episode about Scientology may have been the straw that finally broke Isaac Hayes’ back.  The musician, best known in recent years as the voice of ‘Chef’ on South Park, has finally reached his satirical limit and quit the show.  Apparently, he felt the show’s reputation for religious bashing had finally gone too far.  In a statement given to People magazine, the 63-year-old Hayes states: “There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry towards religious beliefs of others begins.”

Given his willing participation in previous episodes, co-creater Matt Stone wonders if Hayes’ decision has something to do with Scientology specifically, and not religion overall.  Turns out that ‘Chef’ is a Scientologist in real-life (who would have guessed?).  As many faithful followers of the show know, a November episode of the show was devoted to bashing the often-criticized belief.  According to Stone, it was only when that episode aired did Isaac’s opinions come forward.  “(We) never heard a peep out of Isaac in any way until we did Scientology. He wants a different standard for religions other than his own, and to me, that is where intolerance and bigotry begin.”

No word yet as to how the creators will do away with the character…

Read More |  People