James L. Brooks has confirmed the news
The classic The Simpsons episode ‘Stark Raving Dad’ is being pulled from the show’s permanent rotation, according to its creators.
The opening episode of season three, guest starring Michael Jackson, is being removed in the wake of HBO’s two-part documentary Leaving Neverland, which explores sexual abuse allegations made by two men against the musician.
Executive producer James L. Brooks told The Wall Street Journal: “It feels clearly the only choice to make.”
“This was a treasured episode,” he added. “There are a lot of great memories we have wrapped up in that one, and this certainly doesn’t allow them to remain.”
“I’m against book burning of any kind. But this is our book, and we’re allowed to take out a chapter.”
‘Stark Raving Dad’ sees Homer committed to a mental institution after Bart turns all his white shirts pink in the wash. Upon arrival he meets a huge(r), bald(er) man named Leon Kompowsky who claims to be Michael Jackson. As he is unfamiliar with the actual singer, Homer believes him, leading to the two becoming friends.
The episode will be removed from syndication and future copies of DVD sets, but Brooks has warned the process would take some time.
