Soul singer Isaac Hayes has left the animated series 'South Park' because of the cartoon's "inappropriate ridicule of religious communities".
The Hollywood Reporter said that a statement issued on behalf of Hayes yesterday said he wanted a release from his contract because he "is disappointed with what he perceives as a growing insensitivity toward personal spiritual beliefs".
Hayes, a Scientologist, has voiced the character of Chef on the show since it began in 1997.
Responding to the statement and agreeing to Hayes' release from his contract, South Park's co-creator Matt Stone said: "In 10 years and over 150 episodes of 'South Park', Isaac never had a problem with the show making fun of Christians, Muslims, Mormons and Jews. He got a sudden case of religious sensitivity when it was his religion featured on the show."
