Chef Quits South Park!

Isaac Hayes has quit South Park, stating that he is unhappy with jokes about religion in episodes of the hit cartoon.

Hayes, who has provided the voice of Chef since the show first started, has asked to be let out of his South Park contract and has criticised the shows producers for including jokes about religion in recent episodes. "There is a place in this world for satire, said Hayes in a statement, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry towards religious beliefs of others begins."

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

Although Hayes has not pointed to one particular episode, it would seem that the jokes about Scientology " the legendary soul stars religion " are what caused him to quit, as stated by South Parks co-creator Matt Stone. "This is 100 percent having to do with his faith of Scientology," said Stone.

"He has no problem - and he's cashed plenty of cheques - with our show making fun of Christians."

Catch South Park on MTV, with our without the Chef, Sundays at 10pm.

DL