South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker have addressed the controversy surrounding the show, following its mocking of Harry and Meghan.
This week, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were roasted on the show in an episode titled The Worldwide Privacy Tour, as they were seemingly depicted as cartoon characters while being referred to as the “Prince and Princess of Canada”.
South Park has built up quite a reputation for stirring up controversy with its episodic content since its debut in 1998.
Stone, 51, and Parker, 53, admitted that the backlash they’ve received as they’ve poked fun on the show “gets us going”, and criticism has mainly come from right-wing supporters.
The writing pair have targeted several celebrities, including Tom Cruise, over the years on the programme.
Speaking on the Basic! Podcast, which reflects on the cable TV era, the creators said: “There are so many [moments] we can’t even remember.
“It was all coming from the right, we were considered counter culture.
“The Catholic League are always on our arse – it kind of always came from that side.”
One of the infamous episodes from the long-running series, fans will remember, ridiculed Tom Cruise and his controversial Scientology faith.
Addressing the episode, Stone and Parker said: “Everyone knew Scientology was so litigious. People in Hollywood were scared of Scientology at the time because they would just sue you.”
The duo continued: “I think that got us going. The Tom Cruise episode was really about getting sued.
“I mean, poking openly litigious people and seeing where the line is and what you can say.
“That episode is what that is about – they bullied Hollywood and scared people into [fearing] saying the word scientology.”
It appears the creators have not let up on their taunting tactics on South Park, considering the latest episode depicting the Sussexes.
In the show, a cartoon prince was seen sporting red hair, beside his wife, who wore an outfit similar to Markle’s worn at 2018’s Trooping the Colour, as they held up placards that read: “We want our privacy!”
Following the episode, reports surfaced that the Duke and Duchess were considering suing the show’s creators.
The Sussexes have since denied the claims they are taking legal action.
“It’s all frankly nonsense. Totally baseless, boring reports,” their representative told People.
