MTV postpones airing of ‘South Park’ episode in Mexico, fearing sanctions over flag use
By APTuesday, February 9, 2010
MTV cancels Mexico airing of ‘South Park’ episode
MEXICO CITY — President Felipe Calderon’s “South Park” cameo will have to wait.
MTV says it canceled the airing in Mexico of an episode in which a caricature of Calderon appears in front of a Mexican flag.
The network says it needs permission from the government to show the episode inside Mexico because of a law stating the flag and other national symbols must be handled with respect. There is a 52,590 peso ($4,900) fine for violating the law.
The episode, titled “Pinewood Derby,” had been scheduled to run Monday.
MTV explained its decision in a statement Tuesday, apologizing to Mexican fans of the irreverent cartoon show.
Interior Ministry spokesman Luis Estrada said the government hasn’t received a request from MTV for permission to air the episode.
