The ’Small-Penis-Rule’ Could Mean Donald Trump Likely Won’t Be Able to Sue South Park
How the “small-penis-rule” — a legal idea about satire — may protect South Park from Donald Trump’s possible lawsuit.
Penis Friends
8/29/20252 min read


A Sketch That Sounds Like a Sketch
A courtroom showdown between a former president and an animated comedy sounds like the plot of a South Park episode. According to coverage from LADbible, it might also be a nonstarter — thanks to something called the “small-penis-rule.”
Yes, that’s the actual legal nickname. And yes, it’s almost too perfect. At Penis Friends, we couldn’t resist digging in.
What Happened / What’s the Story
Here’s the gist:
Legal commentators say if Trump tried to sue South Park over its savage portrayals, the case would face long odds.
Why? Because satire, exaggeration, and parody are usually protected under U.S. free speech law.
Enter the “small-penis-rule” — an informal term that basically means “this insult is so obviously ridiculous that no reasonable person would take it as literal fact.”
Combine that with the high bar public figures face in defamation cases (they must prove “actual malice”), and you get a recipe for Trump vs. South Park ending before it begins.
Why It Matters (Culture, Comedy, and Bodies)
This story isn’t just about Trump or about a cartoon. It’s about how humor, shame, and the law collide:
Satire as civic critique — From medieval caricatures to late-night comedy, lampooning leaders is part of democracy’s toolkit.
Body-based insults as shorthand — Using “small penis” to signal exaggeration shows how stigma still slips into our language.
The power of normalization — If we treat the penis as just anatomy, not taboo, it loses its punch as an insult.
At Penis Friends, we think the best comedy punches up at power — not down at bodies.
The Facts (Clear and Non-Graphic)
Satire & opinion = protected speech — Courts usually consider it non-actionable.
Public figures = higher bar — They must prove “actual malice” to win defamation suits.
“Small-penis-rule” — A cheeky nickname, not an actual statute, for why some insults aren’t legally defamatory.
South Park’s whole vibe — Its reputation as outrageous parody strengthens its legal shield.
Context counts — Mean doesn’t always equal unlawful.
Friendly Tips & Resources
Name satire when you see it — Helps reduce the sting.
Talk about body stigma — Call out why body-based jokes land hard, and shift the focus back to critique of power.
Sharpen media literacy — Public libraries, law clinics, and university explainers are great starting points.
If it feels like harassment — Friends, support groups, or counselors can help.
Curious about defamation law? — Consult a media lawyer. It’s complex, case-specific stuff.
Closing Thoughts
Comedy and the law have always had a weird dance: satire pushes the line, courts decide whether the punch lands, and the audience laughs, groans, or both.
Whether you think South Park is fearless or just cruel, the “small-penis-rule” is a reminder that speech, law, and shame are tangled together. Protecting satire matters. So does recognizing when jokes rely on tired body-shaming shortcuts.
At Penis Friends, we’ll keep standing in the middle: laughing at power, pushing back on stigma, and reminding you that the penis is just another part of the human body — not a punchline.