Last month there was some speculation as to whether or not Comedy Central had caved in by not airing the "Bloody Mary" episode of South Park, which featured a statue of the Virgin Mary spraying blood from her ass. Some Catholic groups were upset about the episode, and its omission from the marathon caused many people to think Comedy Central had finally succumbed to outside pressure. Boing Boing published a form e-mail Comedy Central sent to those who e-mailed the network to complain. If I'm reading the letter correctly, it appears Comedy Central chose not to air the episode just that one time in the name of holiday solidarity and whatnot. Here's the letter:

"Dear Viewer:

Thank you for your letter regarding the "South Park" episode entitled "Bloody Mary." We appreciate your concerns about the potential influences of outside special interest groups on the media and enterainment industries and particularly Comedy Central. Though Comedy Central did not include the "Bloody Mary" episode in a special year-end marathon of "South Park" episodes in deference to the Holidays, "Bloody Mary" did in fact air in every one of "South Park's" normally scheduled repeat timeslots.

As satirists, we believe that it is our First Amendment right to poke fun at any and all people, groups, organizations and religions and we will continue to defend that right. Our goal is to make people laugh, and perhaps if we're lucky, even make them think in the process.

Despite misleading claims from those who would like to claim victory, we have not permantly shelved the "Bloody Mary" episode from future airings due to outside pressure nor will we exclude it from future DVD releases.

Sincerely,
Comedy Central Viewer Services"