Roger Friedman at Fox News reports:

Isaac Hayes did not quit “South Park.” My sources say that someone quit it for him.

I can tell you that Hayes is in no position to have quit anything. Contrary to news reports, the great writer, singer and musician suffered a stroke on Jan. 17. At the time it was said that he was hospitalized and suffering from exhaustion.

He goes on to quote Hayes defending the show–including the Scientology episode specifically–on The Onion’s AV Club:

AV Club: They did just do an episode that made fun of your religion, Scientology. Did that bother you?

Hayes: Well, I talked to Matt [Stone] and Trey [Parker] about that. They didn’t let me know until it was done. I said, ‘Guys, you have it all wrong. We’re not like that. I know that’s your thing, but get your information correct, because somebody might believe that [expletive], you know?’ But I understand what they’re doing. I told them to take a couple of Scientology courses and understand what we do. [Laughs.]

If Friedman is right, this wouldn’t be the first time that Scientology spoke inaccurately on behalf of a member.

UPDATE (March 22, 2006): Next week’s new episode is titled “The Return of Chef."