The Simpsons co-creator James L Brooks has cleared up speculation that the show has axed one of its longest-running gags.
In recent history, fans of the decades-old animated sitcom spotted it had been a number of years since Homer had “strangled” his son Bart, which the show appeared to address during a new episode which aired in the US last month.
During one scene, a new neighbour comments on Homer’s firm handshake, to which he responded: “See, Marge, strangling the boy has paid off. Just kidding. I don’t do that anymore… times have changed.”
While many took this as confirmation from the producers that Homer’s corporal punishment was a thing of the past, the behind-the-scenes team have made it clear this is not the case.
Alongside a newly-released sketch of Homer strangling Bart while accusing him of “clickbaiting”, a rep for the show told Variety: “Homer Simpson was unavailable for comment as he was busy strangling Bart.”
Meanwhile, Brooks told People magazine: “Don’t think for a second we’re changing anything. Nothing’s getting tamed. Nothing, nothing, nothing.”
He added: “[Bart will] continue to be strangled—[if] you want to use that awful term for it. He’ll continue to be loved by his father in a specific way.”
The Simpsons is currently airing its 35th season across the pond, while its 34th was made available to stream on Disney+ here in the UK earlier this month.
In recent history, The Simpsons has made some tweaks after facing criticism from many viewers, most notably casting of actors of colour to voice replace the white performers of characters like Apu and Dr Hibbert.