Free Hat

Free Hat is a catchphrase and recurring element from the animated television series South Park. It originated in the 2002 episode "Free Hat" (Season 6, Episode 9). In the episode, Mr. Garrison advocates for the release of convicted murderer Hat McCullough, claiming he has been wrongly imprisoned and denied a fair trial. He champions the slogan "Free Hat" and prints T-shirts with the phrase.

The phrase "Free Hat" itself is absurd, because Hat McCullough is demonstrably guilty of his crimes and is not deserving of freedom. The humor stems from the blind, unwavering support Mr. Garrison provides, regardless of Hat's actual actions. The episode satirizes the tendency of individuals and groups to support controversial figures or causes without fully understanding the situation or consequences.

Subsequent appearances of "Free Hat" throughout the South Park series serve as a running gag, a reminder of Mr. Garrison's misguided activism, and a general commentary on the complexities of justice and public opinion. The phrase has been used in various contexts, often implying a naive or uninformed support for a questionable cause.