South Park drama

Isaac Hayes has quit "South Park," where he voices Chef, saying he can "no longer stomach its take on religion."

Hayes, a Scientologist, has played the character since 1997. He said in a statement Monday that he feels a line has been crossed.

"There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry towards religious beliefs of others begins," he said. "Religious beliefs are sacred to people, and at all times should be respected and honored. As a civil rights activist of the past 40 years, I cannot support a show that disrespects those beliefs and practices."

"South Park" co-creator Matt Stone responded in an interview with The AP saying, "This is 100 percent having to do with his faith of Scientology... He has no problem -- and he's cashed plenty of checks -- with our show making fun of Christians."

Stone added he "Never heard a peep out of Isaac in any way until he did Scientology. He wants a different standard for religions other than his own, and to me, that is where intolerance and bigotry begin."