- "Now, that is avant-gorgeous."
- ―Michael de Graaf's cathphrase[src]
| Michael de Graaf
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| Character Information
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Michael de Graaf is a fashion designer, reality TV judge, and former boyfriend of Waylon Smithers.
History[edit]
Michael de Graaf went to Springfield from his home in Milan to adopt one of Mr. Burns' hound puppies. When Homer met him, Homer quickly realized that Michael was gay and took him to Smithers to try and set them up together. Michael and Smithers quickly fell for each other and Michael asked Smithers out on a date. The two of them went to Luigi's for a meal before they went to the Springfield Squidport to look out over the ocean. They then kissed each other.
Things seemed to be going well between Michael and Smithers, with Smithers calling Homer frequently to give him updates on how their relationship was going. When Marge found out that Smithers was dating Michael, she became excited because she was a fan of his. Marge then showed Homer clips from the show America's Got Fabric, which Michael was a judge on from seasons 10 to 15. Marge also explained to Homer that Michael was famous for his savage zings. Marge wanted to meet Michael, but Homer told her that he and Smithers were on a romantic vacation together.
Whilst on their romantic vacation, Smithers thought that the only thing that could make it better was Christine Baranski singing "Dancing Queen". Michael thought that Smithers would say that and had arranged for Baranski to come in, singing the song. Michael then gave Smithers a bowtie that he designed for him.
After Smithers and Michael got back, Marge ambushed Smithers in the Power Plant executive parking lot and asked him if he wanted a party to celebrate him and Michael getting together. Smithers accepted and the couple attended a party at the Simpson house. During the party, Michael gave out savage zings about the clothes worn by the guests and made a new dress for Lisa. At the end of the party, Michael announced to everyone that he was going to open a clothing factory in Springfield, Michael de Graaf Express.
When Homer, Bart, and Lisa decided to visit the factory, they were horrified by the poor working conditions and the pollution the factory was giving off. They were also shocked to learn that Michael knew about everything that was going on in the factory. Homer decided that he had to give Smithers the bad news about Michael and went to visit him. After learning what Michael was doing, Smithers became upset and asked Mr. Burns for advice. Burns told Smithers that fast fashion was worse than nuclear energy and that it polluted more and wasn't as needed as energy. Burns also told Smithers that he should marry Michael so he could marry a billionaire.
When Smithers confronted Michael about the factory, and the meltdown it was having, Michael tried to talk Smithers around, telling him that he should be selfish and think of himself for once. Smithers seemed like he was going to accept and be with Michael until the puppy that Michael adopted spilled Michael's wine over his pants. Michael kicked the puppy away, which was the final straw for Smithers who broke up with Michael and kept the puppy.
Personality[edit]
On the surface, Michael is a kind man who gets along well with many people. His television personality, where he gives mean quips about the outfits on the show, seems to be an act which the viewers love. However, Michael is still a billionaire, and he didn't get there by being nice. He knowingly pollutes the planet with his factories and doesn't care about the consequences. Michael also cares more about his clothes than the welfare of his own pets.
Appearances[edit]
Episode – "Portrait of a Lackey on Fire" 
