MTV cancels Mexico airing of 'South Park' episode

[February 10, 2010]  MEXICO CITY (AP) -- President Felipe Calderon's "South Park" cameo will have to wait.

MTV says it canceled the airing in Mexico of an episode in which a caricature of Calderon appears in front of a Mexican flag.

The network says it needs permission from the government to show the episode inside Mexico because of a law stating the flag and other national symbols must be handled with respect. There is a 52,590 peso ($4,900) fine for violating the law.

The episode, titled "Pinewood Derby," had been scheduled to run Monday.

MTV explained its decision in a statement Tuesday, apologizing to Mexican fans of the irreverent cartoon show.

Interior Ministry spokesman Luis Estrada said the government hasn't received a request from MTV for permission to air the episode.

[Associated Press]

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