FACT CHECK: Did âThe Simpsonsâ Predict George Floydâs Death In A 1990s Episode?
An article shared on Facebook claims a 1990s episode of âThe Simpsonsâ predicted the death of George Floyd.
âThis is creepy to say the least,â reads the caption accompanying the link.
Verdict: False
The drawing in the article was created by an independent artist. No such scene appears in any episode of âThe Simpsons.â
Fact Check:
Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody in late May after an officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes, despite Floyd repeatedly saying he couldnât breathe, according to video of the incident. Derek Chauvin, the officer videotaped kneeling on Floydâs neck, has been charged with second-degree manslaughter, second-degree murder and third-degree murder, CBS News reported.
The May 31 article, titled âThe Simpsons Predict Derek Chauvin Kneeling on George Floydâs Neck in 1990âs Episode,â features an alleged screen grab from a scene from the animated comedy series. In the purported scene, the police officer character appears to be standing on the neck of a black character, while Lisa Simpson holds a âJustice for Georgeâ sign behind them. The alleged screen grab is juxtaposed with a real photo of Chauvin.
âGiven the similarities between the events, it seems The Simpsons predicted a police officer kneeling on George Floydâs neck,â the article states. (RELATED: Did âThe Simpsonsâ Predict The Coronavirus Outbreak?)
While some viewers believe âThe Simpsonsâ series has accurately predicted future events, there is no evidence that the animated comedy series foreshadowed Floydâs death. No such episode matching the description of the one in the article appears in Amazonâs complete catalogue of its 31 seasons. An internet search also turned up no record of the purported scene.
The drawing of the alleged scene was actually created by cartoonist Yuri Pomo, who posted it on Instagram on May 31.
âWith this piece Iâd like you to think deeply, Taking the chance to bring The Simpsons as an example for the cause,â the accompanying caption reads. âNormally youâre used to see colorful and cheerful drawings from me, but since Iâve got quite a good audience, Iâd like to use it as much as I can in the right way when the situation requires it, and bring something good, and useful with my drawings, and you guys know it.â
Pomoâs Instagram page contains dozens of other political cartoons drawn in the style of âThe Simpsons.â
âAll of the drawings you see on my page are made by me, with a deep and strong meaning behind,â Pomo told the Daily Caller via Instagram direct message. âSadly the past days one of my drawings has been taken/stolen and passed by a real Simpson episode.â