The creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, are reported to be relying on a legal concept known as the “small-penis rule” to protect themselves from potential lawsuits by US President Donald Trump. The satirical cartoon has relentlessly mocked Trump in recent weeks, helping the new season achieve record-breaking viewership numbers. In the episode titled Sermon on the Mount, one scene shows Trump naked in bed with Satan, who is portrayed as his lover.
What South Park Cartoons About Donald Trump
“I’m not in the mood right now,” Satan says in the episode.
“Another random b**** commented on my Instagram that you’re on the Epstein list.”
The scene goes further by depicting Trump with such a small penis that Satan remarks he “can’t even see anything.”
Trump has recently launched a series of lawsuits against various media outlets over their portrayals and coverage of him. Legal experts suggest that Parker and Stone’s pointed satire, particularly the focus on Trump’s manhood, could be a deliberate move to deter litigation.
What is The ‘Small-Penis Rule’?
The “small-penis rule” is an informal but widely used legal strategy used by creators of fictional works. It argues that when a fictional character is used to defame a real-life person, giving the character a small penis reduces the risk of a lawsuit.
The logic is simple. For the plaintiff to sue, they must acknowledge being the basis of the character, thereby admitting to the insult. This persuades individuals from making defamation claims.
Parker and Stone have frequently satirised political leaders, with Trump regularly featured since his rise to political prominence. Their portrayals often amplify perceived personality traits for comedic effect, all while remaining under the legal protections afforded to parody in US law.
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
