Simpsons episode pulled by Disney over China jibe
DISNEY has cut an episode of Simpsons that refers to “forced labour camps” in China from its streaming service in Hong Kong.
The episode was first aired in October as part of the cartoon’s latest series, but is no longer available on the Disney+ streaming platform in Hong Kong.
In the episode, “One Angry Lisa”, Marge Simpson sees images of the Great Wall of China while taking part in an exercise class. The instructor says: “Behold the wonders of China. Bitcoin mines, forced labour camps where children make smartphones.”
It is understood Disney removed the episode to comply with China’s national security laws, which were introduced to Hong Kong in 2020.
Human rights groups and Western governments have accused China of crimes against humanity and potential genocide of the Muslim Uyghur ethnic minority in Xinjiang province.
China is accused of detaining more than 1m people against their will in socalled “re-education camps”. Beijing has denied the allegations.
Disney has been contacted for comment. The move was first reported by the Financial Times.
The incident appears to be at least the second time Disney has removed an episode of The Simpsons from Disney+ in the region because of its content. In 2021, it removed an episode that referenced China’s efforts to repress knowledge of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. The episode depicts a sign in the square that reads: “On this site, in 1989, nothing happened.”
Disney has made significant investments in both mainland China and Hong Kong despite rising tensions, and will this month release Marvel blockbusters there for the first time in almost four years.