Earthy ladies man Chef, whose sexually didactic song-and-dance numbers have long instructed the children of South Park in the ways of the flesh, is no more. Or at least will no longer be voiced by sultry soul singer Isaac Hayes. Citing “bigotry,” Hayes notes

"Religious beliefs are sacred to people, and at all times should be respected and honored," he continued. "As a civil rights activist of the past 40 years, I cannot support a show that disrespects those beliefs and practices."

Matt Stone, co-creator of South Park was quick to note the inherent hypocrisy of this move, saying that Hayes has never complained about the other religions that have been lampooned throughout the shows controversial history.

“This is 100 percent having to do with his faith of Scientology... He has no problem — and he's cashed plenty of checks — with our show making fun of Christians”

The South Park episode poking fun at Scientology, “Trapped in the Closet,” also detailed some of the “beliefs” of Scientology, including the galactic overlord Xenu and frozen alien bodies dumped into volcanoes. (click here to see the South Park take on Scientolgy’ beliefs).

The departure of Hayes is certainly lamentable. His lusty ditties have always enlivened South Park. But one has to agree with Stone on the issue of Hayes’ double standard, the entire show is premised on satirizing, well, everybody. Muslims, the handicapped, homosexuals, and every other possible identity group have had South Park’s barbs directed at them. Politically incorrect ridicule is a the heart of the South Park aesthetic. That Hayes would expect South Park to exempt Scientology—the most conspicuously goofy religion that I can think of—from its satirical aim is just plain stupid. Has he not been watching the show? This just demonstrates the irrational pull that religion can have over otherwise intelligent, and humanely funny, minds.