Simpsons apologise to Brazil

Bosses at The Simpsons have issued an apology, of sorts, for upsetting tourist leaders in Rio de Janeiro.

The city's officials were furious over how it was depicted in the latest edition of the animated show to be screened in the US.

During a trip to Brazil, Homer is robbed by street kids and kidnapped by an unlicensed taxi, Bart was swallowed by a giant snake and rats stopped pedestrians crossing the road.

The city's tourist board even threatened to sue the show's creators over the episode Blame It On Lisa.

Now, according The Simpsons' executive producer James L. Brooks says: "We apologize to the lovely city and people of Rio."

But he added: "And if that doesn't settle the issue, Homer Simpson offers to take on the president of Brazil on Celebrity Boxing."

Rio to sue over The Simpsons

Published: 12 Apr 2002