“The Simpsons” Co-Creator Says Homer Simpson Will Still Strangle Bart Despite Recent Rumors: “Nothing’s Getting Tamed”

Despite calls for it to stop, Homer Simpson will persist in choking his son Bart in The Simpsons cartoon series.

James L. Brooks, the co-creator and producer of The Simpsons, refuted speculations that the show would abandon this long-standing gag, even though a recent episode hinted at the character potentially altering his behavior in response to current circumstances.

“Don’t think for a second we’re changing anything,” Brooks told PEOPLE. “Nothing’s getting tamed. Nothing, nothing, nothing. He’ll 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.”

In the third episode of the 35th season of the show, titled “McMansion & Wife,” Homer and his family make their way to their new neighbor’s house to introduce themselves. When they meet Thayer Blackburn, Homer extends his hand for a handshake, and Blackburn is impressed by the strength of Homer’s grip.

“See, Marge, strangling the boy has paid off,” Homer joked. “Just kidding. I don’t do that anymore. Times have changed.”

The idea that “times have changed” empowered fans to express their varying viewpoints on social media. Some contended that the show yielded to woke culture by eliminating the recurring joke, even though Homer hasn’t physically strangled Bart since season 31. In reaction to the uproar, the show’s creator, Matt Groening, crafted a fresh depiction of Homer strangling Bart.

Homer Simpson was unavailable for comment as he was busy strangling Bart. pic.twitter.com/Yh6koeqTQS

— The Simpsons (@TheSimpsons) November 9, 2023