Although cutting a scene will create more curiosity on the particular segment, 2x2 network will not air the part where Vladimir V. Putin is mocked.
- July 11, 2009
AceShowbiz -
In an effort to spare their leader a shame, a Russian TV channel cuts a segment of "South Park" that mocks Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin. The channel, which is called "2x2", said through a spokesman on Friday, July 10 that "the given scene in this version was absent."
Originally airing in U.S. back in 2005, the episode called "Free Willzyx" portrays Putin as a leader who is desperate for money. When Kyle calls him about sending a killer whale to space, he demands 12 million dollars. But realizing that it is just a non-serious call from America, Putin curses on the phone and says "Kiss my a** George Bush, this isn't funny".
It is still unclear yet, whether the censorship comes from the network or the regulator but a spokesman from Russia's broadcast regulator admitted to knowing nothing. "We have never interfered with editorial decisions," Yevgeny Strelchik stated as quoted by The AP. Nevertheless, the decision prompted criticism and discussion on Russian blogs.
