Isaac Hayes, known both for his legendary soul music and for voicing ‘Chef’ on South Park, left the show in 2006, but the real story behind his exit hasn’t been widely understood until now. Many fans recall the controversy: after South Park’s “Trapped in the Closet” episode mocked Scientology, Hayes’ religion at the time, a statement was released claiming he could no longer support the show because of its “intolerance and bigotry toward religious beliefs.” This puzzled viewers, since the show had always poked fun at all sorts of targets.
Recently, Isaac Hayes III, his son, cleared up what really happened. Posting on social media, he explained that his father didn’t actually quit on his own. After suffering a serious stroke, Isaac Hayes wasn’t in any condition to make such a big career decision or even speak for himself. According to Hayes III, it was people from his father’s Scientology circle—publicists and managers—who decided to pull him from the show and sent out that statement on his behalf.
Hayes III was blunt: “My dad did not quit South Park. Scientology did.” He said his father loved playing Chef and never complained about the jokes or being offended. In fact, Hayes missed voicing Chef and connecting with his fans.
https://twitchy.com/aaronwalker/2025/07/19/isaac-hayes-iii-tells-us-why-his-father-quit-south-park-n2415903

Isaac Hayes, known both for his legendary soul music and for voicing ‘Chef’ on South Park, left the show in 2006, but the real story behind his exit hasn’t been widely understood until now. Many fans recall the controversy: after South Park’s “Trapped in the Closet” episode mocked Scientology, Hayes’ religion at the time, a statement was released claiming he could no longer support the show because of its “intolerance and bigotry toward religious beliefs.” This puzzled viewers, since the show had always poked fun at all sorts of targets.
Recently, Isaac Hayes III, his son, cleared up what really happened. Posting on social media, he explained that his father didn’t actually quit on his own. After suffering a serious stroke, Isaac Hayes wasn’t in any condition to make such a big career decision or even speak for himself. According to Hayes III, it was people from his father’s Scientology circle—publicists and managers—who decided to pull him from the show and sent out that statement on his behalf.
Hayes III was blunt: “My dad did not quit South Park. Scientology did.” He said his father loved playing Chef and never complained about the jokes or being offended. In fact, Hayes missed voicing Chef and connecting with his fans.
https://twitchy.com/aaronwalker/2025/07/19/isaac-hayes-iii-tells-us-why-his-father-quit-south-park-n2415903

Isaac Hayes, known both for his legendary soul music and for voicing ‘Chef’ on South Park, left the show in 2006, but the real story behind his exit hasn’t been widely understood until now. Many fans recall the controversy: after South Park’s “Trapped in the Closet” episode mocked Scientology, Hayes’ religion at the time, a statement was released claiming he could no longer support the show because of its “intolerance and bigotry toward religious beliefs.” This puzzled viewers, since the show had always poked fun at all sorts of targets.
Recently, Isaac Hayes III, his son, cleared up what really happened. Posting on social media, he explained that his father didn’t actually quit on his own. After suffering a serious stroke, Isaac Hayes wasn’t in any condition to make such a big career decision or even speak for himself. According to Hayes III, it was people from his father’s Scientology circle—publicists and managers—who decided to pull him from the show and sent out that statement on his behalf.
Hayes III was blunt: “My dad did not quit South Park. Scientology did.” He said his father loved playing Chef and never complained about the jokes or being offended. In fact, Hayes missed voicing Chef and connecting with his fans.
https://twitchy.com/aaronwalker/2025/07/19/isaac-hayes-iii-tells-us-why-his-father-quit-south-park-n2415903