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Did "Family Guy" Go Too Far?

Posted Sep 11th 2006 11:50AM by TMZ Staff

The FOX animated series "Family Guy" is known for pushing the boundaries between good humor and bad taste -- very few topics, if any, are out of bounds for the show. And normally the jokes just bounce right off us, but there was one last night that made even us cringe.

The episode, titled "Stewie Loves Lois," is about Stewie's newfound love for mom, Lois (normally he is trying to kill her). After Stewie becomes a little too clingy, Lois decides to ignore him to try and help him become less dependent. When Stewie's attempts at attracting her attention fail, he cries out, "What is this, a Tommy Lee pool party?"

For those that don't remember, a 4-year-old boy drowned at Tommy Lee's Malibu estate in 2001 during a birthday party for Tommy Lee's son, Brandon. Lee was sued by the boy's parents, but was found not responsible for the accident by a jury. Lee said in a statement at the time, "Although I am relieved that the court has found me not negligent, there are no winners in this sad situation."



Tags: family guy, FamilyGuy, tommy lee, TommyLee

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16. Good lord, it's an adult cartoon. Stop trying to make it out to be some sort of bastion of morality! Shame on you TMZ. Shame.

Posted at 1:07PM on Sep 11th 2006 by seejayess

17. I live in Arizona where unfortunately we read about several children drowning each summer. It’s always the same stories. People standing around the Pool or BBQ, no one was “really” paying attention, or “I picked up the phone but I was only on it for a few minutes”, or “I thought so and so was watching”. It’s very tragic for everyone involved but what’s really unfortunately is that the accidents could have been prevented if the Adult(s) had payed closer attention to the child. Tragic.

Posted at 12:57PM on Sep 11th 2006 by Tucson

18. I love Family Guy, and I must say that when Stewie said that, I gasped. Then I laughed. And do you know why? Because that's what Family Guy is all about. It's just not afraid to go there. And when people start throwing hissy fits, it ruins all the fun. (Like when Fox pulled the "When You Wish Upon a Weinstein" episode and then decided to air a watered down version years later after most Family Guy fans had seen the original on the web.) Get over yourself, people. Like you've never made or laughed at a completely tasteless joke. I'd be lying if I said I didn't and then which would be the bigger sin?

Posted at 11:48PM on Sep 11th 2006 by Festizzio

19. Any death especially a childs is always a tragedy,to make a "joke" out of this tragedy is horrible.More people should be outraged!

Posted at 1:12PM on Sep 11th 2006 by one too know

20. Don't remember the incident (as many people will not now).
Never noticed the line. Or if I did - refer to above.

Posted at 1:27PM on Sep 11th 2006 by Webbie

21. Family Guy is an Adult cartoon, MOST people get that. The dark humor of Stewie is the best part of the show. For crying out loud, there is a thing called an off switch for those who can't handle it. Leave Stewie alone ... he's just being himself !

Posted at 12:55PM on Sep 12th 2006 by Loves Stewie

22. "Theres nothing funnier then a dead baby."

Posted at 1:57PM on Sep 11th 2006 by ryuuryders

23. i agree family guy does push it but like most fans agree it's comedy Dark comedy...i thought the comment was pretty funny in fact, and a reminder to pay attention to your child!! Family Guy rules...

Posted at 2:03PM on Sep 11th 2006 by lizardqueenet

24. Crossed the line? PUHLEEZE! That joke was pretty tame compared to other shows around these days. Sounds like much ado about nothing.

By the way, Tommy should have been found liable for the accident - those rich twerps couldn't afford a lifeguard? Wait, wasn't Tommy's ex a lifeguard on "Baywatch?"

Posted at 2:49PM on Sep 11th 2006 by RetUSMCGunny

25. ITS FAMILY GUY!!!! Stop BASHING one the of best animated series on TV. I AM SICK AND TIRED OF DRAMA QUEENS ATTACKING FREE SPEECH!!!! CHANGE THE GOD DAMN CHANNEL if it offends you... THAT IS STILL LEGAL RIGHT???

Its America you commie - right about something relevant to our society that might benefit the human race!!!

Posted at 2:10PM on Sep 11th 2006 by STOP BITCH*NG

26. It was typical Family Guy humor.

If you do not like this type of humor do not watch the program.

Posted at 2:16PM on Sep 11th 2006 by Ms Kris

27. People who watch Family Guy are people who can appreciate this type of humor without getting offended. For those of you who don't like it, don't watch it. Although since TMZ was kind enough to point out that people should be offended, I'm sure we can count on Family Guy getting more attention from the FCC.

Posted at 3:41PM on Sep 11th 2006 by Mary K

28. Anna's son was born in 1986..do your research before you post. No way in HELL I would leave any of my kids at a pool party.

Posted at 3:04PM on Sep 11th 2006 by SHIZANNON

29. You really think this is "edgier" than the "You've Got AIDS" barber shop quartet? Come on. It wasn't a comment against the memory of the dead child, but on the fact that Tommy Lee's an idiot.

Posted at 3:16PM on Sep 11th 2006 by Cartoons for Grown-Ups

30. Okay that was the bad moment of the show?? what about when the doctor was "molesting" Peter?? There goes that violence is bad and sex is okay .I freaken love Family Guy, their dark humor is what made them so famous. People need to loosen up. Its just a cartoon!

Posted at 6:22PM on Sep 11th 2006 by rockC

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