Peter Katsis , Morrissey , published a statement condemning the latest episode of The Simpsons after the singer was portrayed as a hypocritical, racist, and xenophobic figure.
The episode "Panic on the Streets of Springfield ," which aired last Sunday, the 18th, references the lyrics of the song "Panic." In the story, the young and mature versions of the character Quilloughby , based on Morrissey and other singers of the time, coexist in the same timeline. The young man is an imaginary friend of Lisa Simpson , who discovers the band's music on streaming platforms and decides to go to the group's reunion show.
Voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch , the character, based on the lead singer of The Smiths during the 1980s, goes through a crisis when he encounters his current self, depicted in a state of decline in the animation.
Upon taking the stage to sing with The Snuffs , Quilloughby eats a beef burger and says he gave up being vegan after discovering the lifestyle was created by foreigners, spouting xenophobic nonsense. “Oh no! You turned your back on veganism and you’re a huge racist too,” Lisa laments.
In a lengthy note published on the singer's Facebook page, the businessman accuses the program of "using hateful tactics, such as showing the Morrissey character with his belly hanging out of his shirt (when he never looked like that at any point in his career), making you wonder who the real racist and harmful group is here." Katsis also asserted that Morrissey "is still a serious vegan and a strong advocate for animal rights."
In an interview with Rolling Stone , the businessman stated that he is considering options for taking legal action against the animation and does not yet know the singer's reaction. "I sincerely hope he hasn't seen it," he said.
READ ALSO: Sharon Osbourne stops hosting TV show after racism controversy; understand the case
