Homer Simpson Will Not Stop Strangling His Son Bart Despite Criticisms

The developer and producer of the classic animated series The Simpsons insists that Homer Simpson will continue to strangle his son, Bart, as he has always done. There were rumors that the show’s creators took off that bit due to evolving times.

James L. Brooks told People that “nothing’s getting tamed. Don’t think for a second we’re changing anything,” he announced. “He’ll continue to be strangled— if you want to use that awful term for it. He’ll continue to be loved by his father in a specific way.”

Times have changed

Homer last strangled Bart in season 31, although in season 35’s “McMansion & Wife” episode, he joked about how it “has paid off” after their new neighbor, Thayer Blackburn, marvels at his grip when they shake hands. “See, Marge, strangling the boy has paid off. Just kidding. I don’t do that anymore. Times have changed,” he said.

RELATED: Homer Simpson Announces He Won’t Strangle Bart Anymore: “Times Have Changed”

On hearing Homer’s words, fans took to social media to commend the show’s U-turn, while others suggested they were succumbing to “woke culture.” “People complaining that ‘The Simpsons’ changed but haven’t watched the new episodes to know that it’s been rare for Homer to strangle Bart ever since the 2000’s and the last (actual) time he did was over four years ago,” a user wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “The real story is that the show is kind of entertaining again.”

The show’s creators clear the air

In response to the back-and-forths on social media, Matt Groening, one of the show’s creators, posted an illustration of Homer strangling Bart. Bart holds a phone with “Simpsons: No Strangling” on the screen. The text bubble over Homer’s head also reads, “Why are you click-baiting-!!”

Homer Simpson was unavailable for comment as he was busy strangling Bart. pic.twitter.com/Yh6koeqTQS

— The Simpsons (@TheSimpsons) November 9, 2023

Matt captioned the post, “Homer Simpson was unavailable for comment as he was busy strangling Bart,” confirming that they never modified the show to fit recent preferences. Most fans found it humorous, while a few deemed it ridiculous that such “abusive” action was celebrated. “It’s strange Child Protective Services haven’t stepped in at this point,” someone wrote.