The first episode of South Park’s 27th season, titled 'Sermon on the ’Mount', has sparked controversy for its savage portrayal of Donald Trump. The episode depicts Trump as a character who appears in bed with Satan, repeatedly shows his penis, and parrots the phrase 'Relax, guy'. It also critiques Paramount’s decision to pay Trump $16m to settle a lawsuit, a move that has drawn criticism from comedians Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart.
The plot centres on Cartman’s distress over Trump cancelling funding for NPR. Trump is shown suing everyone and removing his trousers to display his tiny penis, which appears five times, once in photorealistic detail. The episode also features Jesus urging residents not to upset Trump, warning them to 'shut up or we’re going to be cancelled'.
In the final moments, a deepfake Trump staggers through the desert, removes his clothes, and his penis says, 'I’m Donald J Trump and I approve this message'. A voiceover adds: 'His penis is teeny tiny, but his love for us is large'. The episode is seen as a dare to Trump to sue, testing whether Paramount will capitulate again.
