Isaac Hayes leaves South Park

While not specifically mentioning the ‘Trapped in a Closet’ episode, in which Scientology was ridiculed, Isaac Hayes asked today to be released from his contract and no longer wishes to provide ‘South Park’ with the voice of Chef. Hayes has been a member of Scientology for 14 years, but was said to be bothered by a percieved “growing insensitivity toward personal spiritual beliefs” in the media, including the recent controversy over a Danish cartoon depiction of Mohammad. In a statement, Hayes said:

“There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry toward religious beliefs and others begins.”

A spokesmen for Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of ‘South Park’, countered:

“Obviously, Matt and Trey are disappointed that he’s not going to be part of the show, but they’re not going to make him do something he doesn’t want to do