Isaac Hayes III Says Scientology Forced Father's South Park Exit

Isaac Hayes, the beloved voice of Chef on South Park, did not voluntarily quit the show following the 2005 episode "Trapped in the Closet," which satirized Scientology. According to his son, Isaac Hayes III, Hayes suffered a stroke shortly after the episode aired, leaving him unable to communicate or make decisions, and it was someone within his Scientology circle who decided to quit the show on his behalf. Hayes III has emphasized that his father loved voicing Chef and had no discussions about leaving the series prior to his illness. The widely believed narrative that Hayes left due to offense at the Scientology satire was a cover story created by others, and Hayes was forced out by illness and those who did not have his best interest at heart. After Hayes' departure, South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone responded with a controversial episode killing off Chef, which marked a significant moment for fans and the show’s legacy. Hayes' son remains open to the possibility of reprising the character and has spoken out to clarify and honor his father's true intentions and legacy.