The Simpsons composer was fired for letting others create music for him. The record-breaking animated sitcom has been through many different challenges throughout its lengthy history, though it has managed to maintain a cohesive cast along the way.
Between writing, producing and voicing the series’ extensive list of characters, was suddenly let go. Fans were shocked that the man behind some of the program’s most iconic music was no longer a part of The Simpsons team, and questions regarding his departure have persisted ever since.
Now, for the first time since Clausen was dropped from The Simpsons, the exact reasons for his firing have come to light. Though Clausen maintains he was let go from the show due to age discrimination, as well as a perceived disability (Clausen has Parkinson’s disease), THR discovered the distinguished composer was terminated after it became clear Clausen had his son and others compose music for the series in his place. Simpsons producer Richard Sakai revealed that the truth about Clausen became evident around 2016, while the series was preparing the episode, The Great Phatsby. Said Sakai:
"Around that time, I learned that Clausen had been delegating some of the work of composing music for The Simpsons to others, including his son Scott Clausen. I believed his unauthorized delegation was unacceptable. I called showrunner [Al] Jean and told him that Clausen had been delegating his composing work; he conveyed to me that he was surprised and disturbed as well. We decided that we could improve the music on the show by replacing him.”
When Clausen was let go back in 2017, the sole reason that was given for his departure was that The Simpsons was looking for “a different kind of music.” When examined from this angle, it makes sense why Clausen could feel that his firing had to do with his age. The Great Phatsby episodecountless memorable compositions that Clausen had to be let go, but unfortunately, that was the way that events unfolded.
For now, Clausen’s firing has created a messy court case in which the dismissed musician is suing Fox. Arguably, Clausen feared being let go from the series due to his Parkinson’s and its inevitable effect on his work, but unfortunately, as tragic as Clausen’s illness is, the quality of The Simpsons simply couldn’t be sacrificed as a result. Clausen gave the series much to be thankful for, and although the current situation isn’t ideal, fans will always the 79-year-old and his contributions, regardless of age or illness.
Source: THR