Paramount Pulls “South Park” Episode Following Political Assassination

Paramount has removed reruns of the “South Park” episode titled “Got a Nut” from its lineup on Comedy Central. The decision follows the assassination of 31-year-old right-wing political activist and media personality Charlie Kirk on Wednesday. While the episode is no longer airing on television, it remains accessible on the Paramount+ streaming service, according to Deadline.

The removal of “Got a Nut” comes in the context of heightened political tensions following Kirk’s assassination. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the individual responsible for the crime. “Got a Nut” is the second episode of the show’s 27th season, which originally premiered on August 6, 2023. The episode features a parody of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, alongside a subplot where characters Clyde Donovan and Eric Cartman become right-wing podcasters.

Kirk had previously expressed his views on the episode, describing it as a “badge of honor.” He even changed his YouTube profile picture to an image of Cartman from the episode as a tribute. Sources within the entertainment industry indicate that the decision to pull the episode is expected to be temporary until political sentiments stabilize.

Despite the current controversy, “South Park” is set to return with a new episode on September 23, 2023. Fans of the series are likely to be watching closely as developments unfold in both the political landscape and the show’s narrative arcs. The actions taken by Paramount highlight the sensitivities surrounding content in the current political climate, particularly concerning public figures and events.