http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,20658735-661,00.html

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To hell with Irwin, says South ParkPaul Kent and Steve Gee

October 28, 2006 12:00am


FURY has erupted over a controversial episode of cartoon show South
Park that makes fun of Steve Irwin's death.

The episode, to be shown in the US next week, shows Irwin walking
around a fancy dress party in hell with a stingray barb sticking out of
his chest.

SBS is likely to broadcast the controversial episode in Australia.

A South Park spokesman defended the episode that shows callous
disrespect for the grieving Irwin family.

"We have offended people in the past and probably will again," the
spokesman said.

"We know that regular watchers will not be shocked."

But one regular US viewer who felt compelled to post an entry on the
official South park website said the creators had "sunk to new lows".

"Even my son, who defends your show to the bitter end, grew very quiet
and sad, and then commented that he couldn't believe (you) had done
that," marymac writes.

"Try to have at least a little bit of class, OK?

"I mean, come on! The poor guy just died. Most of us are still a little
upset about that.

"It's just not the same as Tom Cruise being a closet gay because
there's some funny subject matter. I felt almost embarrassed for you
guys."

A spokeswoman for SBS conceded some Australians might find the episode
offensive, but said the program was likely to go to air.

"The show is always pushing the boundaries," the spokeswoman said.

In the episode, Satan hosts a fancy dress party attended by Irwin,
Princess Diana, Adolf Hitler and other people among the famous dead.

But Irwin is kicked out by the Devil because he's not in costume.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) said the
primary responsibility for ensuring that programs reflected community
standards rested with radio and TV stations.

SBS said the episode was unlikely to be shown in Australia until next
year because local programming was about 12 months behind the US.

Irwin family spokesman John Stainton was travelling overseas and
unavailable for comment.

It is not the first time South Park has lampooned the Croc Hunter.

In a 1999 episode, Mr Irwin was shown terrorising animals before being
hired by the Government to track down an ice man.

Mr Irwin's daughter Bindi, 8, disclosed yesterday that she would launch
her first DVD, Bindi Kidfitness, which features her famous dad.

Available from November 25, the DVD vows to "fight fat with fun".

It includes nine animal-inspired songs and routines by Bindi and her
all-singing, all-dancing sidekicks, The Crocmen.

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