'Simpsons' Harry Shearer Quits FOX Series: Mr. Burns Voice Actor Walks Away from $14M Contract

Over the weekend, TMZ reported Harry Shearer, the voice of Mr. Burns, Ned Flanders, Principal Skinner and Waylon Smithers on The Simpsons, was the only holdout going into the 28th season of the famed FOX series. Despite Matt Groening saying these reports were false, it seems they were very much true. In fact, Shearer's hold out has now reached a whole new level as he is walking away from his $14 million contract and not returning to the show at all.

When the story first hit the Internet last week Groening did all he could to ensure a contradiction of the reports. As late as Saturday night he tried to keep the Shearer holdout under wraps by telling reporters that the TMZ story was false and that "everyone" had signed with the show. Turns out that wasn't the case. Not even Groening could fan the flames of the media firestorm.

In the end, Shearer made the shocking announcement on Twitter:

from James L. Brooks' lawyer: "show will go on, Harry will not be part of it, wish him the best.". (1/2)

— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) May 14, 2015

This because I wanted what we've always had: the freedom to do other work. Of course, I wish him the very best. (2/2) — Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) May 14, 2015

This is the second big loss for The Simpsons this year. Back in March Sam Simon, Simpsons co-creator, passed away at age 59 after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2012. In Simon's final days he gave away most of his fortune to a charity named Fusion, which works with abused animals.

"He was a genius and a great humanitarian in ways public and private. I personally owe him more than can be repaid, but I will do my best to help every animal I can in his memory," Simpsons executive producer Al Jean said back in March.

How do you think The Simpsons will handle the departure of Shearer? Will we see a mass killing-off of Smithers, Skinner, Burns and Flanders?