Dubya-bashing show axed after 9-11

An episode of The Simpsons ridiculing George W Bush was axed in the wake of September 11, its top producer has revealed.

Animators had planned an episode in which the US president came to Springfield to eke revenge on Homer, who so infuriated George Bush Snr in a previous episode.

But producers trashed the idea after the terrorist attacks, fearing the time was not right to poke fun at Bush, executive Al Jean said.

Speaking at the Montreal Comedy Festival, where The Simpsons team is performing one of their live shows, Jean said: "Right after the show was pitched, 9-11 happened. We try to do things that will sustain 10, 20 years from now.

Creator Matt Groening added: "We're just afraid George W. Bush won't be in office by the time the show gets on the air, considering the problems he's having."

And perhaps pandering to his hosts, Groening claimed that Homer Simpson was actually Canadian.

The character is based on Groening's dad - also called Homer - who was born near Winnipeg.

"That would make Homer Simpson a Canadian," Groening told journalists. "I hope Canadians won't hold it against the show now that they know.

"We were counting on Canadians feeling superior to the Simpsons as being doltish Americans but now the secret is out."

Published: 19 Jul 2002