South Park Controversy Deepens

So, get this. We all know how bizarre Scientology is. In the last year, that point has been driven home time and again. Some months ago, Melissa and I posted some reports regarding the health practices preached and condoned by Scientologists (i.e. vitamins in lieu of synthetic pharmaceutical concoctions, etc). We also touched briefly on some cases of deaths stemming from the nontraditional remedies Scientology requires their members to try, regardless of what licensed professionals might have to say about their patients' conditions. Here's a scary compilation of such deaths.

Now it seems that Issac Hayes himself is under such risky care, considering his present medical condition. Hayes suffered a stroke in January of this year. And since that time, has allowed Scientology representatives to speak on his behalf:

Isaac Hayes didn't personally quit "South Park" because he was miffed at the show poking fun at Scientology. Someone else sent the notice for him.

Foxnews.com reports Hayes suffered a stroke on Jan. 17. At the time of his so-called sayonara to the Comedy Central show, "he was hospitalized and suffering from exhaustion" and friends say he was in no condition to issue a press release.

The New York Post says fellow Scientologist Christina Kimball -- a fashion exec for designer Craig Taylor -- is responsible for issuing the release.

Hayes, 63, is now home recovering from the mild stroke, which may have affected his memory and speech. [The Courier Journal]

As much as I hate to source Fox News, they did break this story... so, I have to give credit where credit is due:

As recently as early January, before his stroke, Hayes defended the "South Park" creators in an interview with "The AV Club,"” the serious side of the satirical newspaper, The Onion.

AV Club: They did just do an episode that made fun of your religion, Scientology. Did that bother you?

Hayes: Well, I talked to Matt [Stone] and Trey [Parker] about that. They didn't let me know until it was done. I said, 'Guys, you have it all wrong. We're not like that. I know that's your thing, but get your information correct, because somebody might believe that [expletive], you know?' But I understand what they're doing. I told them to take a couple of Scientology courses and understand what we do. [Laughs.]...

"Isaac's been concentrating on his recuperation for the last two and a half, three months,"” a close friend told me.

Hayes did not suffer paralysis, but the mild stroke may have affected his speech and his memory. He's been having home therapy since it happened. [Certain reports claim that this home therapy involves vitamins and heating pads... right, that outtah do the trick].

Yesterday, E! reported that Hayes was indeed the one who issued the statement, but this bit of info comes from yet another Scientologist spokesperson. Therefore, we're less than convinced.

In closing, it's pretty clear now that Issac wasn't the one who was all uptight about Matt and Trey poking fun at Scientology (or any religion for that matter) on South Park. Because he forked over his right to speak for himself to those loony Xenu haters, this controversy developed. Add a sprinkle of Tom Cruise fervor and you have yourself a bona fide juicy bit of gossip. We're sure this story will continue to snowball out of control, so stay tuned. --Joan.