SAN DIEGO – Matt Groening, the creative genius behind cultural touchstones like The Simpsons and Futurama, has once again found himself at the center of a media firestorm. Known for a brand of humor that often blends the absurd with pointed social commentary, Groening, speaking at the highly anticipated San Diego Comic-Con, veered from his usual celebratory tone to issue a direct and controversial political statement to an enthusiastic crowd. His message was simple, yet inflammatory: “delete Fox News.”

The moment came during a panel discussion on Saturday, July 26, where Groening was reflecting on the uncanny ability of The Simpsons to predict future events. From the presidency of Donald Trump to the acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney, the show has, for decades, held a reputation for its prescient humor. However, rather than simply marveling at the show’s past accuracy, Groening used the platform to share his own outlook on the future of the United States. In a move that underscored his personal convictions, he told the audience that he believes children across the country would eventually “liberate Republican parents from the cult of MAGA,” referring to the “Make America Great Again” slogan used by Trump supporters.

He then took his prediction a step further, offering a concrete, step-by-step instruction for how his vision could become a reality. “Grab the TV remote,” Groening instructed the crowd, “go to menu, go to controls, vertical controls, look for channel list and delete Fox News.” The directive, delivered with a mix of humor and serious intent, was met with a roar of applause from the Comic-Con attendees, instantly sparking a firestorm of discussion across social media platforms.

The call to action is particularly notable given the long, and at times tumultuous, history between Groening’s most famous creation and the Fox network. The Simpsons originally aired on Fox, before Disney’s acquisition of the studio. Throughout its run, the animated series has often taken playful, and sometimes biting, shots at the network that was once its home. One of the most famous examples came in a 2010 episode titled ‘The Fool Monty,’ where a helicopter appeared with the slogan: “Fox News: Not Racist, But #1 With Racists.” This gag famously drew the ire of then-Fox News host Bill O’Reilly, who accused the show of “continuing to bite the hand that feeds part of it.” Groening’s team responded with a follow-up joke in the very next episode, featuring another helicopter with the slogan: “Fox News. Unsuitable For Viewers Under 75.”

Groening’s Comic-Con comments come at a time when Fox News, largely controlled by the family of media mogul Rupert Murdoch, is under intense scrutiny for its programming and political influence. Critics of the network, which produces a variety of talk shows and news commentary programs that often push right-wing viewpoints, have pointed to its coverage of a number of sensitive social issues. As of last month, the network had reportedly aired more than 400 week-day segments over a four-month period in which trans athletes were mentioned, with an astonishing 59 of those segments airing in a single week. This consistent focus on specific cultural and political topics is a key element of the network’s strategy, and Groening’s comments are clearly a response to what he sees as a dangerous and divisive narrative.

The reaction to Groening’s remarks has been swift and polarized. Supporters have hailed him as a brave voice speaking out against what they perceive as misinformation and political extremism. Critics, on the other hand, have accused him of using his platform to engage in partisan politics and “cancel culture.” In a deeply divided America, where political opinions often feel irreconcilable, a public figure of Groening’s stature issuing such a direct challenge is guaranteed to provoke a strong reaction from all sides.

Whether Groening’s call to action will have any tangible effect on cable television subscriptions remains to be seen. However, his comments have certainly reignited a passionate and important conversation about the role of news media in a democratic society, the influence of entertainment creators in political discourse, and the power of a TV remote to shape the future. For Groening, who has built a career out of crafting worlds that are both satirical and insightful, his latest pronouncement seems less like a joke and more like a sincere plea for a better, more unified America.