I love the show, but sometimes I wonder how they get away insulting celebrities and religions. How come nobody has sued them?
just curious.
2007-01-03 09:04:00 · 12 answers · asked by Mr. Sly 4 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Television
Because "satire" is a protected freedom of speech.
2007-01-03 09:06:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
I don't think they "get away" with as much as we (the fans of the show) like to think they do. I remember the kafuffle last year about the episode that had Tom Cruise in it, and his people put so much pressure on Comedy Central (is that the network "SP" airs on in the States? I don't know) that they scrapped the episode and I don't think it's been aired. And Isaac Hayes ("Chef") left because he had been uncomfortable with a lot of the show's writing for a while, and an episode making fun of Scientology (he's a follower) finally angered him enough that he quit.
But everyone is right -- it's a freedom of speech thing. They just have to be careful about inserting real people (ie: celebrities) into their story lines so they don't get sued for libel or slander. The network probably has a whole team of lawyers that make sure that everything is just barely legal. Just my thoughts!
2007-01-03 17:19:54 · answer #2 · answered by jeffs_wife_ali _&_adams_mom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Freedom of Speech
2007-01-03 17:08:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, Tom Cruise did use his clout in preventing that "Trapped In the Closet" episode (that parodied Scientology) from being broadcast both in the United Kingdom and in the United States (Comedy Central) and I seriously doubt you will see it aired at any time soon on public TV. Cruise is noted for his litigious tendencies and he is powerful enough to be able to spook networks.
2007-01-03 17:31:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Freedom of speech. As long as they aren't saying that a certain celebrity or whoever is doing something that they allegedly aren't, then it is not defamation or slander.
2007-01-03 17:12:15 · answer #5 · answered by Charlie Girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you are making fun of someone for comedic purposes, it's not considered slander/libel, as long as it's obvious to the audience that you're just joking.
2007-01-03 17:12:59 · answer #6 · answered by Morey000 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They aren't doing anything legally wrong. I think. They are funny, but have no class. That's not a crime. Freedom of speech.
2007-01-03 17:10:58 · answer #7 · answered by shouldbworkn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its done in spoof so you really cant sue over that
although tom cruise would love to he's still in the closet
2007-01-03 17:07:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
FREEDOM OF SPEECH IS A WONDERFUL THING!!!
2007-01-03 17:09:10 · answer #9 · answered by Cheyenne 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cartman is the man
2007-01-03 17:05:56 · answer #10 · answered by NoxecA 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋