Matt Groening’s long-running animated sitcom The Simpsons is known for its satirical humor, social commentary, and memorable characters. Initially premiered in 1989, it follows the lives of the dysfunctional Simpson family in the fictional town of Springfield. While the series remains an iconic part of Television history and has since become a cultural phenomenon, it has faced its share of controversy and critique.
And the same was the case for the episode titled Blame It on Lisa, which follows the family on a trip to Brazil to visit an orphan whom Lisa is sponsoring. However, the series depicts the Simpson family encountering various misadventures in Rio, leading to criticism for a skewed and inaccurate depiction of Brazil.
The Simpsons Episode That Incited Outrage Across the Entire Nation of Brazil
The Season 13 episode of The Simpsons, Blame It on Lisa follows the Simpson family traveling to Brazil after they find out that a young orphan, whom Lisa had been sponsoring, mysteriously disappeared. However, their trip takes an unexpected turn when Homer Simpson is kidnapped.
The episode also depicts the characters getting mugged by a group of children and Bart getting attacked by monkeys on Copacabana Beach. Such depiction of Brazil sparked widespread outrage throughout the country, prompting former President Fernando Henrique Cardoso to denounce it as a “distorted view of Brazilian reality.”
The Rio Tourist Board also expressed concern over the episode’s portrayal, citing potential negative impacts following their substantial investment in a tourist campaign. While they stated that Rio faces social issues and violence, they also emphasized that it is restricted to certain areas.
Criticism was also directed at the portrayal of monkey attacks on Copacabana Beach, which the tourist board noted as inaccurate, with no such incidents having occurred. The episode’s lack of cultural awareness and reliance on stereotypes further fueled anger.
The tourist board even threatened legal action against Fox, with the support of then-President Fernando Henrique Cardoso. The executive producer James L. Brooks later issued a public apology to the people of Rio.
The Simpsons Showrunners Apologized Over the Controversial Episode
Following the significant backlash over The Simpsons depiction of Brazil, executive producer James L. Brooks issued an apology, expressing regret to the city and people of Rio de Janeiro. he said, “We apologize to the lovely city and people of Rio de Janeiro.”
Brooks further stated in his apology, “If that doesn’t settle the issue, Homer Simpson offers to take on the President of Brazil on Fox Celebrity Boxing.” Al Jean, who served as the showrunner during Season 13, reflected on the controversy, stating that Brazil’s reaction caught them off guard.
“Every other place has had a good sense of humor. Brazil caught us by surprise,” he said in an interview. The episode was initially banned in Brazil after airing twice but was reportedly reinstated for broadcast on Brazilian television.
The Simpsons is available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu.
