South Park took a shocking swipe at The Simpsons in Brett Kavanaugh episode

Episode saw Chief Justice reimagined as Mr Hankey before poking fun at its animated rival

South Park has taken aim at The Simpsons in its latest episode, which saw Brett Kavanaugh referenced in the form of famous character, Mr Hankey.

Despite maintaining a respectful relationship with its animated rival throughout its 22 seasons, creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone removed the gloves for the latest episode 'The Problem with a Poo' - a play on the title of the documentary The Problem with Apu which detailed how the long-running character, voiced by white actor Hank Azaria, was used as a device to bully stand-up comedian Hari Kondabolu when growing up in New York.

The Simpsons wasn't directly referenced until the episode's final moments. As Stan asks where the disgraced Mr Hankey/Kavanaugh will go, his father Randy says: “He’ll have to go to a place that accepts racist, awful beings like him. There are still places out there who don’t care about bigotry and hate.”

Viewers were left shocked as the scene immediately cut to The Simpsons' fictional location of Springfield where Mr Hankey is greeted by Apu. “Welcome, my friend," he says. "Please, rest your weary feet and make yourself at home.”

The hashtag #cancelthesimpsons appeared on-screen before the credits rolled, a change from the usual #cancelsouthpark that's capped every episode of its 22nd season so far.

Parker and Stone's latest dig comes as an even bigger surprise considering their respect for The Simpsons, exemplified by several references over the past two decades.

Disgraced star Roseanne Barr was also sent up in the episode with Mr Hankey sending a string of racist tweets before proceeding to blame the sleeping pill, Ambien.