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Isaac Hayes has decided to leave the cast of South Park.
The soul star has voiced Chef on the satirical animated series since 1997, but according to reports, decided to leave due to "inappropriate ridicul[ing]" of religion.
"There is a place in this world for satire but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry toward religious beliefs begins," Hayes explained.
Co-creator Matt Stone said Hayes had never been bothered by the parodies until the Scientology Church, which Hayes is a member of, was satirised.
Stone noted: "In 10 years and over 150 episodes of South Park, Isaac never had a problem with the show making fun of Christians, Muslim, Mormons or Jews. He got a sudden case of religious sensitivity when it was his religion featured on the show."
