White House, 'South Park' trade barbs: What to know about the feud
"This show hasn't been relevant for over 20 years and is hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention," the White House said in a statement to Paste BN.
President Donald Trump is feuding with yet another TV show.
The Season 27 premiere of the Comedy Central animated series, "South Park", has stirred controversy this week. The episode, which aired on Wednesday, July 23, features Trump crawling into bed with Satan, a reference to the president's recent attacks on the media.
Criticizing the episode, the White House issued a statement after its airing, calling it a "desperate attempt for attention."
Need catching up? Here's what to know about the Trump and "South Park" feud.
What happened in the 'South Park' episode that mentions Trump?
In the Season 27 premiere of the popular series, Trump is shown getting into bed naked with Satan. Instead of the standard "South Park" cartoon look, Trump's character actually features a photo of the president moving on a cartoon body.
The scenes reference Paramount's $16 million settlement with the president, Trump's claims that he'll receive $20 million worth of ads on the network, and the cancellation of CBS's "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert."
What did the White House say about the South Park episode?
In a statement provided to Paste BN on July 24, the White House called "South Park" a "fourth-rate" show.
"The Left's hypocrisy truly has no end – for years they have come after 'South Park' for what they labeled as 'offense' content (sic), but suddenly they are praising the show," White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in the statement. "Just like the creators of 'South Park,' the Left has no authentic or original content, which is why their popularity continues to hit record lows.
"This show hasn't been relevant for over 20 years and is hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention. President Trump has delivered on more promises in just six months than any other president in our country's history – and no fourth-rate show can derail President Trump's hot streak."
What did 'South Park' say about the episode?
During a panel at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday night, "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone shared a response to the White House's comments.
"We're terribly sorry," Parker said through a sly grin at the panel next to Stone, "Beavis and Butt-Head" creator Mike Judge and "Digiman" creator Andy Samberg.
Discussing the speed of today's topical comedy, Stone said, "it's not just 'SNL' anymore," contributing to newsy jokes.
But when it comes to next week's episode, the creators said they aren't sure what will come next.
"Right now we don't know," Parker said. "It's super stressful."
How can you watch the 'South Park' episode?
"South Park" is available for streaming on Paramount+ with a paid subscription. A Paramount+ Essential subscription is $7.99 a month with ads, and a Paramount+ Premium subscription is $12.99 a month without ads.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at Paste BN. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.