South Park pokes fun at a lot of things, religion being one of its favorite targets. scientology is just the next group in line for hazing. Not a big deal. The episode just pointed out how different their beliefs are from conventional religion, with some exaggeration and pointed barbs thrown in for laughs. The point that Matt and Trey are trying to put across is that America needs to lighten up and laugh every now and then. Getting all offended and causing a big commotion about everything, in particular your religious beliefs, gets you nowhere. It's a cartoon for crying out loud. Is this country so anal we are offended by animated 9-year old kids and what they think about the world? Isn't that the whole point of cartoons, to satirically look at the world and say "isn't that funny?" If you've ever been offended by South Park, you need a reality check. Lighten up and laugh. The show is funny and it's thought provoking. If you think it's so harmful, change the channel, or here's a profound thought, pick up a book! It won't kill you to have your own brain entertain you for a while, I promise! God Bless Matt and Trey. Keep doing what you do so well, and I'll keep watching.

If Mr. Hayes has chosen to draw the line only after having his own religion attacked, at least he has drawn a line. How many have simply turned a blind eye to bigotry?

You know, anti-Semitism started with jokes about the Jewish religion and gradually ate away the resistance to bigotry until the Nazis were acceptable.

I applaud Mr. Hayes and anyone else who would stand up against the insidiousness of this kind of hatred.

Actually, if you know anything about Scientology, you know Isaac Hayes did not choose to leave the show; he was told to leave the show by Scientology officials.

I don't really know why he didn't leave the show a long time ago and then now he's got a problem when he's been in the show since 1997. I mean c'mon...

Isaac Hayes left South Park. So what? Whether not he belatedly grew a conscience or not is of no concern to me. He CHOSE to leave the show. This being America, he is allowed to do that, just as his detractors are allowed to comment on his departure. South Park isn't THAT important anyway.

Tonight's South Park episode, in which Chefs departure is explained and dealt with, demonstrated the following truth: those that write the history make the history. Mr. Hayes speech writers at the Church of Scientology are just not as skilled as Trey Parker and Matt Stone, nor are they remotely as amusing.

Shame on NPR for posting only reactions of those mocking Mr. Hayes.

Spreading news used to be at least 2 sides of a story. I know now who is paying your bills

Some of the South Park fans leaving comments on this topic are doing nothing but proving Mr. Hayes right. I totally agree with the fact that his decision was either pressure from his church or he wanted to make sure the check cleared first. I also agree that South Park is in no way racist or intolerant of any person, race, or religion. "Chef" will be missed but the show will go on. I think if anything Mr. Hayes hurt his own reputation more than he ever could that of SP. I know personally I've lost ALL respect for him, and hopefully he finds himself under the fire of SP creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker with another hilarious episode of SP.

South Park does not necessarily "make fun" of anything or anyone, it just shows that ALL things and ALL people are fairly ridiculous in some way. It demonstrates our need to take things less seriously. I just hope Scientology will help support Tom Cruise when his money dwindles, as his career has been taking some serious shots in the past year - and rightly so.

I am Christian. I am Hispanic. I celebrate Christmas like many others, and I laughed my butt off when they had Jesus and Santa. Sometimes they go overboard but they do it to Blacks, Hispanics, Gays, and all alike. For Mr. Hayes to get offended and grow a conscience now is absurd. Stop the brainwash. I have lost respect for him and all in that cult they call religion, they should be more tolerating of others. I am sick of them and will continue to watch with him or not.

The episode was aired in November, so why quit now? Maybe he just cleared the check he received for his appearance.

No chance that Isaac Hayes can now still preach that he's working toward freedom. Freedom is not following a group created by a guy who was convicted to 4 years in France, 1978, for fraud and extortion. Would the US, Argentina and Columbia courts have been coherent with laws, Hubbard would have been also sentenced for at least 22 counts when the cult he led was convicted, including his own wife - for as much as 100 spying, thefts, infiltrations, murder conspiration, and other small misbehaviours.

Exactly - Isaac Hayes should be thankful that he was employed - he is a "has been" - South Park paid him well for his voice and I agree, he was "all good" with bashing Catholics or Jews. He is a Hollywood hack and South Park can replace him easily with another actor with a deep voice.

I am not impressed by Mr. Hayes' actions. I've found myself thinking that when persons react poorly to an event or situation, "You are far too sensitive to be out in public, you should go home and take a nap." Mr. Hayes, have a bit of cocoa before bedding down for the afternoon.

It's funny that Mr. Hayes didn't have a problem actually making the show, but suddenly found a voice after Tom Cruise was offended by it.

Comedy Central caves to Scientology?

I just read a piece on another blog site. Is it true that Tom Cruise threatened to pull the MI:3 adds, causing CC to pull the SouthPark episode? I say that SouthPark fans should pull a boycott!

"Scientology has to do with increasing awareness. Maybe Isaccs awareness has increased to the point where he doesn't want to be part of a petty little show like SP. I salute him!!"

-Sent by Bill Bruce

Sure, Bill. I find it hilarious that his "awareness" suddenly took a leap as soon as South Park did a Scientology episode. Hayes' timing couldnt have been more perfect. What an AMAZING COINCIDENCE!!!

Mr. Hayes will be missed but like my mama always says Chef, "if you can't take the heat get outta the kitchen." South Park pokes fun at everyone and everything. I thank GOD everyday that they are here and that they speak their minds and continue to support freedom of speech. God bless Matt Stone and Trey Parker.

It is hard to believe that the "Bloody Mary" episode (with the menstruating Virgin Mary statue) was OK with Mr. Hayes, but he drew the line at the Scientology episode (only after he made it and was paid for it). It seems that the definition of bigotry is when only your sacred cow is sacred. I have to wonder if Tom Cruise and threats to sue had anything to do with it.

As if Scientology didn't have a bad enough rep with all of this Tom Cruise hoopla...now there is yet another thing to add to the list of all things Sciontology that don't make sense. I can only hope they can somehow create a storyline about this ridiculous affair, and incorporate it into an episode!

I totally agree with Isaac's position. In a world where strongly held values are scarce, it takes a brave person to stand up for his beliefs. We all have the right to say what we think but we also should respect the religious beliefs of others. Scientology has to do with increasing awareness. Maybe Isaccs awareness has increased to the point where he doesn't want to be part of a petty little show like SP. I salute him!!

I have laughed at jokes made at the expense of things. I personally believe in it as long as theyre not mean spirited.

Mr. Hayes is being hypocritical because he did participate in shows that made fun of other religions. So, apparently he can dish it out but can't take it. Further, is Scientology actually a religion? I always thought it was more of a psychological approach to life (that I dont subscribe to) that dealt with dealing with problems successfully and not a spiritual or supernatural or diety-based theism in the actual sense.

Bottom line: Hayes is another noted member of a group that seems to attract press-worthy kooks.

Was Mr. Hayes pressured by Mr. Cruise and Mr. Travolta or is this yet another publicity stunt a la tomcat? I am watching the new season of South Park next week with or without Chef. There is always Mrs. Garrison.

I am SHOCKED to see so many npr.org visitors (which I presume = NPR listeners) are also South Park fans :)

He had no problem doing the shows that made fun black people. One would think he would have been gone years ago. I really do think the reason he is leaving is force from the cult he is in. He should have had the balls to say, "Whateva, I do what I want!"

I have a question, if Hayes was so insulted by this episode, why did he do it in the first place? It would have been a stronger statement to walk *before* it was filmed rather than afterward.

Mr. Hayes decision does not diminish the quality of his artistic achievements and creations. However, I find it very sad that he has decided to no longer voice our beloved "Chef". Whether it is due to pressure from his church or an independent decision, it is short-sighted and discriminatory (has not South Park brilliantly and incisively skewered everyone and everything?). He is cutting off his nose to spite his face. I will miss him.

Just a different way of saying what has been said so well so many times below. In Mr. Hayes words, "There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry towards religious beliefs of others begins"

Exactly! And what is that place? Every one has one.

Home...as in too close to...

Isaac Hayes' rationale for leaving South Park is about as disingenuous and hypocritical as one can get. It is disappointing to hear this news. I feel that South Park has been an important part of social and cultural dialogue on topics that often lack anything beyond a bipolar perspective.

South Park will live and probably has a bigger following than Scientology. Where do I send my tithing?

The show will ultimately suffer, as I'm sure he is aware, and to me, it shows a lack of class on his part. Of all the tasteless and offensive things they've done with this show (god bless em), I thought the shots they took at scientology were poignant and very well executed. As is typical amongst scientologists, Mr. Hayes has shown he cannot laugh at himself.

Unbelievable...a turd was one of their main characters, but the Scientology bit sent him over the edge? Maybe he's right. Turds and other bodily functions are always funny, but Scientology? Just NOT Funny, man.

Aren't Scientologists supposed to be able to tolerate criticism of all sorts without emotionalism? I think he might have been told by the Scientologist community to quit. Too bad Mr. Hayes is not as strong as his music would have made me think he was. Black Moses indeed!

NPR says it all: Mr. Hayes had no trouble when the Catholic Church was the brunt of the attack from the South Park writers. Well, which it it? Is religion fair game or not? Be careful on the show about Muslims. They really hate cartoons.

The show aired in November. What to him so long to decide that this worked against his beleifs? How about when he was taping the show? It all sounds really "sincere" to me.

Amen. It is time all religions stand up, shoulder to shoulder and end intolerance, conflicts and hazing. There is no doubt that religion is under attack and Mr. Hayes' effort to fix this is welcomed.

I was introduced to the music of Isaac Hayes after becoming a huge fan of South Park and have enjoyed his music for the past 10 years. But I will not willingly listen to another one of his songs. I am very disappointed in Mr. Hayes' decision to leave south park on religious grounds. I have lost all respect for you, Mr. Hayes, and wish they had never cast you as Chef in South Park!

That Hayes would tolerate satire of racial stereotyping and satire of other religions but not satire at the expense of his own shows not only how utterly brainwashed he is by Scientology (a religion founded exclusively for the purpose of making money for the founder - tell me theres not humor there?) but how much of a hypocrite he is in remarking on the "bigotry and intolerance" of the show. What nonsense.

Isaac ultimately is echoing Cartman's mantra, "Screw you guys -- I'm going home."

This is an odd time for Mr. Hayes to opt out of South Park for the reasons he offers. This Scientology episode offended him, while the countless other episodes in which various people of different races, cultures, ethnicities, and abilities did not? If it was so hot in that kitchen, Hayes should have left it a long time ago.

I saw that episode, and from what I've read about the Scientologists, it really wasn't far off. It mirrored the shows they have made about Catholics, Mormons, Jews, etc. The shows contained facts about the principles behind the belief system and contrasted those beliefs against the real-world actions of their followers. As Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." Its a shame that some people choose to live with blinders on, refusing to see reality.

Oh brother! It just proves more of the weirdness of Scientology followers. I saw the episode depecting Tom Cruise not coming out of the closet and I thought it was clever and FUNNY. If you are in the spot light as much as Tom Cruise and Scientology, it is important to have a thick skin because you will be a satire magnet.

The "intolerance" and "bigotry" of South Park is causing a problem for Hayes now? Wow, is he being a hypocrite! Is the Church of Scientology applying tremendous pressure on him? Perhaps, he should donate the hefty sum of money he received as being the voice of Chef towards charitable groups interested in protecting rights of others.

The "Borg" have decided for him...

All these years of appreciating your music and even in support of your struggles as a black actor/musician down the tubes, only to find out that you are a member of what I consider basically a cult. Shame on you!

South Park has used the cover of political and social satire to excuse its shock value in the pursuit of an audience.

Not to say I'm above it: I do watch it, but completely aware that it's because it's offensive and crude, not because I feel it's a representation of our society.

When I stop watching, it'll be because its shock value has worn off.

This shows the true face of scientology, a warped sect that comes unglued and sues thousands of people every year when ever it feels that it is being criticized or discussed in a negative manner.

Read time magazines The Cult Of Greed.

Most people think things are funny until they are the brunt of the joke.

If you can't laugh at yourself and your own foibles, you have no business poking fun at others.

Mr. Hayes is truly demonstrating his shallow nature.