The Simpsons Episode · 1994
Homer is accused of harassment; cable TV and a public mob convict him before any court does.
What Really Happened · 2017
The #MeToo movement and social media mob justice became defining features of modern public life.
2017
The Full Story
In 'Homer Badman', Homer is accused of sexual harassment after accidentally grabbing a babysitter's candy while reaching for a rare gummy bear — cable television runs a documentary convicting him, protesters camp outside the house, and his employer suspends him before any investigation begins. The #MeToo movement from 2017 onward followed this exact structure: public accusation, instant media verdict, career destruction, and delayed or absent due process. The episode is the definitive Simpsons prediction of social media mob justice.
Cancel Culture / Trial by Media is one of
70 verified Simpsons predictions
tracked by Springfield Oracle — a public database of documented cases where The Simpsons
foreshadowed real-world events. This prediction appeared in S06E09 ("Homer Badman"), which aired in 1994.
It was confirmed true in 2017.
Springfield Oracle collects and verifies every credible Simpsons prediction with primary source documentation.
Submit a prediction or
browse all 70 entries.