The Simpsons creator Matt Groening has final word on Apu
Groening addresses rumours that the character was due be scrapped following accusations of racial stereotyping
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Your support makes all the difference.The Simpsons creator Matt Groening has asserted that controversial character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon will not be written out of the show.
Speaking at the D23 Expo this weekend, the creator of the popular Fox series confirmed that Apu will remain in the show, despite the issues of racial stereotyping that were raised in 2017 documentary The Problem with Apu.
“Yes [he will stay on the show],” Groening said (via Variety). “We love Apu. We’re proud of Apu.”
The Simpsons previously addressed the controversy in 2018, using the show’s characters.
During an episode titled “No Good Read Goes Unpunished”, Marge reads Lisa her “favourite book ever” while making sure the old stereotypes used were updated to make it less offensive.
In response, Lisa replied: “Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect. What can you do?” During this comment she looks directly to camera.
There were also reports in 2018 that the character would be axed – a rumour that producer Al Jean dismissed.
That same year, Hank Azaria, the white actor who voices Apu, said he would be willing to step down from the role because it would be “the right thing to do”.
“I think the most important thing is we have to listen to South Asian people, Indian people in this country when they talk about what they feel, how they think about this character, and what their American experience of it has been,” he said.
“In television terms, listening to voices means inclusion in the writers’ room. I really want to see Indians, South Asian writers in the room. Not in a token way, but genuinely informing whatever new direction this character may take. Including how it is voiced, or not voiced.
“I’m perfectly happy and willing to step aside,” he continued. “Or help transition it into something new. I really hope that’s what The Simpsons does, it not only makes sense, it just feels like the right thing to do to me.”
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