The episode's portrayal of Rio de Janeiro caused immediate backlash upon its 2002 airing:
Lisa discovers Ronaldo has become a famous star on a suggestive children's TV show called Teleboobies . Ronaldo uses his earnings to pay Homer's ransom, and the family is reunited—though Bart is swallowed by an anaconda as they depart. Major Themes and Satire [S13E15] Blame it on Lisa
Homer is kidnapped by an unlicensed taxi driver and held for a $50,000 ransom in the Amazon rainforest. The episode's portrayal of Rio de Janeiro caused
Homer is seen wearing a T-shirt featuring Uncle Sam devouring the Earth with the slogan "Try and Stop Us," mocking American oblivious to foreign perspectives. The Brazilian Controversy [S13E15] Blame it on Lisa