1/29/2009

in

The voice of Bart Simpson is being used to promote Scientology.

Mic Mell

Nancy Cartwright has been the voice of Bart Simpson for two decades. She is also a Scientologist. A [robocall](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robocall) has been going out to people in Los Angeles. The robocall starts with the voice of Bart, and Nancy then announces herself, and tells people about the upcoming event at the Hollywood Highland Center. Cartwright is speaking at the event. During the call, she bounces between being herself and the voice of the animated character. While Bart Simpson has made many prank calls on the television show, this is the first time his voice has been used to promote religion, a subject that the Simpsons has mocked often.  
  
There hasn't been an official statement issued about the call from Fox yet, except to pull the Youtube video. Al Jean, executive producer for the show, told E! News, "The Simpsons does not, and never has, endorsed any religion, philosophy or system of beliefs any more profound than Butterfinger bars," The show is not associated with the calls. The complaint calls to the network have almost stopped, and at this time it doesn't seem that Fox is taking any action against Cartwright.  
  
The Simpsons is the longest running animated series on TV and teased Scientology in a 1998 episode. Cartwright is also the voice of other Springfield children, including bully Nelson Muntz and Ralph Wiggum. She has been involved in the Church of Scientology since 1989.  
  
A video of the recorded message was going around Youtube but has been pulled down and replaced with a message saying "this video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Twentieth Century Fox." However, an audio recording has resurfaced on Youtube, and you can see it below.
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