A new sketch in the television cartoon 'South Park', which mocks recently deceased television star Steve Irwin, has sparked outrage.
The sketch, which is part of the Halloween episode of the show, depicts the entertainer at a party which is being hosted by Satan, with a stingray barb poking from his chest.
The 'Crocodile Hunter' star died last month when he was pierced in the chest with a stingray's barb. He was filming an underwater documentary at the time.
According to ITV, John Beyer of TV watchdog Mediawatch said: "This is such bad taste and the makers of 'South Park' should review their decision to show it. Steve's family are still grieving."
"To lampoon somebody's death like that is unacceptable and so soon after the event is grossly insensitive.''
However the show's creators responded to criticisms by saying: "We have offended people in the past and probably will again. We know that regular watchers will not be shocked.''
The show is due to air in the US this week.
