'South Park' makes fun of Irwin death

The makers of South Park, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, are set to release an episode that pokes fun at the death of Steve Irwin.

In the episode Irwin is at a celebrity party hosted by Satan, sporting a stingray hanging out of his chest.

The Australian wildlife expert died last month after being struck through the heart by a stingray's barb, whilst filming off the coast of Queensland.

According to Entertainmentwise John Beyer of the Mary Whitehouse-founded Mediawatch said: "This is such bad taste and the makers of South Park should review their decision to show it. Steve's family are still grieving.

"To lampoon someone's death like that is unacceptable and so soon after the event is grossly insensitive."

Despite the criticism Matt Stone and Trey Parker defended the episode: "We have offended people in the past and probably will again. We know that regular watchers will not be shocked."