One of the most recurring and iconic bits of the animated television series The Simpsons is when Homer becomes so agitated with his son Bart, he chokes him into oblivion.
However, “times have changed” Homer announced during an episode earlier this season, and revealed that in future episodes, no depiction of Homer choking Bart will be shown.
Homer made the revelation himself while shaking hands with a new neighbor. The neighbor commented on Homer’s firm grip, to which he responded, “See, Marge, strangling the boy paid off," only to then follow up that statement and say, "Just kidding, I don’t do that anymore. Times have changed."
Fans took this as a not-so subtle hint from Disney, who now owns The Simpsons IP, that depictions of abuse will no longer be on the program going forward.
It’s been a while since Simpsons fans have seen Homer choking Bart, though. According to TMZ, the last time he did it in the show was back in 2019/2020.
While some viewers have praised this action, many are criticizing the move with a handful of fans calling The Simpsons “woke.”
LISTEN on the Audacy App