The Simpsons creator RESPONDS to claims Homer had stopped strangling Bart with hilarious statement
The Simpsons creator has responded to claims that the show has axed the long-running gag scene in which Homer strangles Bart.
Earlier this month, it was reported that the recurring gag – where Homer yells at Bart “why are you small?”, wraps his hands around Bart’s neck and squeezes in such a way that his son’s eyes bulge – had been scrapped after Homer joked “I don’t do that anymore ‘ in the 35th season episode McMansion & Wife.
However, Matt Groening, the show’s creator, provided an animated response that was first shared by Variety, confirming that the long-running scene will continue.
A statement read: “Homer Simpson was unavailable for comment as he was in the middle of choking Bart.”
The scene’s strangling commotion began in the new episode with Homer introducing himself to Thayer, who notes how firm the patriarch’s handshake is.
Gag: The Simpsons creator has responded to claims that the show has axed the long-running gag scene in which Homer strangles Bart
“That’s quite a feat,” Thayer exclaims.
‘Do you see Marge? Strangling the boy paid off,” Homer joked.
Then he added, “Just kidding. I don’t do that anymore. Times have changed.’
The joke was featured during a season 22 episode titled Love Is a Many Strangled Thing, in which therapist Dr. Zander Homer tries to see the error of his ways when he strangles his child.
In the episode, towering basketball player Kareem confronts Abdul-Jabbar, a friend of Dr. Zander, Homer and teaches him what it feels like “to be young, small and terrified” by mercilessly strangling him several times.
Although the method traumatized Homer, it did not stop the strangling prank on Bart from appearing in further episodes.
Fans of the iconic sitcom were quick to comment on X, with many praising the choice.
One person wrote, “I knew my husband Homer would learn. He’s a smart guy,” as another user replied, “It took him 36 years but he finally learned.”
Lol: However, show creator Matt Groening has provided an animated response first shared by Variety confirming that the long-running scene will continue
Speak Out: The scene’s strangling commotion began in the new episode with Homer saying, “See Marge?” Strangling the boy paid off,” Homer joked. Then he added, “Just kidding. I don’t do that anymore. Times have changed’
Unimpressed: Groening (pictured last month) created the iconic series in 1989
A third echoed: ‘To be fair this fell under Disney as they wanted family friendly branding for The Simpsons.’
‘Good to know Homer realized how wrong that was. I just wonder what made him realize that,” someone else added.
“That’s progress,” wrote another.