‘The Simpsons’ episode referencing Tiananmen Square, Mao Zedong is removed from Disney Plus Hong Kong

November 29, 2021

An episode from “The Simpsons” was banned in Hong Kong due to its Tiananmen Square reference.

“Goo Goo Gai Pan”: After Disney launched its streaming platform in Hong Kong earlier this month, Season 16’s Episode 12 of “The Simpsons,” titled “Goo Goo Gai Pan,” has been removed from Disney Plus in the country.

The episode reportedly derides the Chinese government while following the Simpsons family during their trip to Beijing. The characters visit the preserved body of the founding father of the People’s Republic of China, Mao Zedong, whom Homer calls the “little angel who killed 50 million people.”
In the episode, the Simpsons also visit Tiananmen Square, where a sign reads, “On this site, in 1989, nothing happened.” The sign references the attempt of the Chinese government to cover up the massacre of pro-democracy protesters.
The Simpsons are also met with a row of tanks in Beijing in a nod to the famous “Tank Man” photo by Jeff Widener.
It is not known whether Disney Plus or the Chinese government removed the episode; however, its removal brings to light the reality of Hong Kong’s new censorship restrictions under national security laws imposed by China.

In June 2020, China passed the “Hong Kong national security law,” as NextShark previously reported, during a historic wave of pro-democracy protests. Earlier this year, the government also tightened its censorship of films under new laws banning any broadcasts violating the new national security law.

Featured Image via Disney Plus

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