It was bad timing for the classic animated series.
During the season premiere of The Simpsons Sunday, the iconic animated series made a reference to golf great Arnold Palmer, moments before his death was announced.
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In the episode, Homer tells his wife Marge that he and his friend Carl plan to "Arnold Palmer" their buddy Lenny by putting the golf icon's signature beverage — half iced tea and half lemonade — into water guns and squirting them at him.
Homer explained the beverage to his wife: “You see, Arnold Palmer was a golfer, and he made up this drink where it’s not a full glass of lemonade or a full glass of iced tea…”
The episode was recorded and written months in advance. According to Entertainment Weekly, the reference to the 87-year-old golfer could not be pulled in time.
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Following the reference, showrunner Al Jean tweeted an apology.
.@TheSimpsons v v sorry to learn of death of Arnold Palmer what a giant
— Al Jean (@AlJean) September 26, 2016
A fan asked Jean if the show could edit out the joke for the West Coast airing of the episode. Jean replied: "I wish I could but it's too late."
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