FACT CHECK: Did ‘The Simpsons’ Predict George Floyd’s Death In A 1990s Episode?
An article shared on Facebook claims a 1990s episode of “The Simpsons” predicted the death of George Floyd.
“This is creepy to say the least,” 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 “The Simpsons.”
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 couldn’t breathe, according to video of the incident. Derek Chauvin, the officer videotaped kneeling on Floyd’s neck, has been charged with second-degree manslaughter, second-degree murder and third-degree murder, CBS News reported.
The May 31 article, titled “The Simpsons Predict Derek Chauvin Kneeling on George Floyd’s Neck in 1990’s Episode,” 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 “Justice for George” sign behind them. The alleged screen grab is juxtaposed with a real photo of Chauvin.
“Given the similarities between the events, it seems The Simpsons predicted a police officer kneeling on George Floyd’s neck,” the article states. (RELATED: Did ‘The Simpsons’ Predict The Coronavirus Outbreak?)
While some viewers believe “The Simpsons” series has accurately predicted future events, there is no evidence that the animated comedy series foreshadowed Floyd’s death. No such episode matching the description of the one in the article appears in Amazon’s 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.
“With this piece I’d like you to think deeply, Taking the chance to bring The Simpsons as an example for the cause,” the accompanying caption reads. “Normally you’re used to see colorful and cheerful drawings from me, but since I’ve got quite a good audience, I’d 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.”
Pomo’s Instagram page contains dozens of other political cartoons drawn in the style of “The Simpsons.”
“All of the drawings you see on my page are made by me, with a deep and strong meaning behind,” Pomo told the Daily Caller via Instagram direct message. “Sadly the past days one of my drawings has been taken/stolen and passed by a real Simpson episode.”