Scientology Snoops On South Park
South Park Duo Investigated by The Church of Scientology
South Park creators have amassed many enemies over the years thanks to their fearless approach to comedy that decrees that no subject is too taboo. It appears that Matt Stone and Trey Parker can add the Church of Scientology to their list of enemies after a former Church executive revealed that Scientologist's took a particular exception to an episode of the hit show.
The episode "Trapped in the Closet" aired in 2005 and depicted Tom Cruise and John Travolta (who are both prominent Scientologists) trapping themselves in a closet. These scenes were obvious insinuations that Cruise and Travolta are in fact homosexual. As well as these suggestions, the episode heavily mocked the Church of Scientology, showing members of the church confessing that their own religion is "crap" and a con in order to make money.
Marty Rathburn, a former executive of the Church of Scientology, released the documents that revealed that Parker and Stone were under investigation by the Church.
"Phone records. Bank records. Personal letters that expose some kind of vulnerability. They'll read stuff into the kind of alcohol you're drinking and how much. Prescriptions. They'll figure out your diet. They can find out a lot about you through your trash," said Rathbun.
Parker and Stone have attracted much derision from religious groups over the years, and these revelations are far from the most intimidating they've had to face. After they portrayed Muslim prophet Muhammad in an episode they received many death threats from irate Muslim's. Despite the furore they regularly create, the duo have shown no signs of diluting their comedy, and it is unlikely that being investigated by the Church of Scientology will sway them to do so.