by A recent episode of the hit animated series from Fox The Simpsons, with a reference to “forced labor camps” in China, has been removed from Hong Kong’s Disney+ streaming service. Yahoo Entertainment has confirmed the reports that the episode “One Angry Lisa” is not available in the territory, which is officially designated as a special administrative region of China. The Walt Disney Company, which he owns The Simpsonshe declined further comment.
Reports that “One Angry Lisa” is unavailable to stream in Hong Kong originated in Financial Times. The episode premiered in the United States on October 2, 2022 on the show’s longtime home on the Fox network and is currently available to stream nationally on Hulu. Since Hulu isn’t available in international locations like Hong Kong, Disney+ brings new and classic episodes of the show overseas.
“One Angry Lisa” features a storyline in which Homer buys Marge a Peloton-like stationary bike, and she falls in love with a particular trainer named Jesse (voiced by longtime simpsons cast member Hank Azaria). Invited to join Jesse on a private trip, he chooses China as his virtual location. “Here are the wonders of China,” says Jesse. “Bitcoin mines, forced labor camps where kids make smartphones and romance.” A jealous Homer interrupts the ride and argues with Jesse, with the Great Wall of China on screen behind them.
According to Financial Times AND Business Insider, it is unknown when “One Angry Lisa” may have been removed from Disney+ in Hong Kong. A national security law implemented in 2020 gives China broad authority over Hong Kong citizens and companies operating in the region.
The Simpsons has seen episodes pulled from Hong Kong’s Disney+ streaming service in the past. In 2021, it was reported that the 2005 episode “Goo Goo Gai Pan” – which featured The Simpsons visiting Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, site of the notorious student protests in 1989 – was no longer available in the region. Meanwhile, major Hollywood films such as Fight Club AND Minions: The Rise of Gru they were famously edited by Chinese censors for versions shown to mainland audiences.
The Simpsons airs Sundays at 8pm on Fox and also streams on Disney+.
