Former The Simpsons writer Bill Oakley calls claims a 1993 episode predicted coronavirus "gross"

The Hollywood Reporter

The May 6, 1993 episode titled "Marge in Chains" has sparked coronavirus memes for its depiction of the "Osaka Flu." Oakley, who co-wrote the episode with Josh Weinstein, tells The Hollywood Reporter he's disgusted by the Internet's misappropriation of the episode amid the coronavirus crisis. "I don't like it being used for nefarious purposes," he says. "The idea that anyone misappropriates it to make coronavirus seem like an Asian plot is terrible. In terms of trying to place blame on Asia — I think that is gross."