Disney cuts Simpsons ‘forced labor’ episode in Hong Kong

HONG KONG (AP) — Walt Disney Co. has removed from its streaming service in Hong Kong an episode from its cartoon series The Simpsons that includes a reference to “forced labor camps” in China. The company declined to comment on why the episode, “One Angry Lisa” from The Simpsons’ 34th season, is not listed for the Disney Plus streaming service in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory. In the episode, character Marge Simpson takes a virtual spin class whose instructor, in front of a virtual background showing the Great Wall of China, says “Behold the wonders of China. Bitcoin mines, forced labor camps where children make smartphones.” Allegations of forced labor are sensitive in China.