Author: Matt Morrison / Source: ScreenRant
Matt Groening – creator of The Simpsons – says that there are no plans for the character of Apu to be recast with an actor of Indian ancestry, or be retired from the series completely. This announcement comes despite wide-spread protest regarding Apu’s character being based upon a racial stereotype, and the willingness of actor Hank Azaria (who voices Apu) to step aside so that another actor can play the part.
The controversy began following the release of The Problem With Apu – a documentary written and hosted by actor and comedian Hari Kondabolu. The film interviewed several prominent actors of Indian and South Asian ancestry, who had complaints of dealing with racism while growing up and while working in Hollywood due to the character of Apu.
This ranged from verbal bullying, with the name “Apu” being used as a taunt, to casting agents and directors asking them to “talk more like Apu” even if they already had a natural Indian accent. This finally culminated in filmmaker Adi Shankar (most famous for his series Bootleg Universe) hosting a screenwriting contest for aspiring authors to solve “the problem with Apu” by writing an episode of The Simpsons that would put the issue to rest in a satisfactory manner.The Wrap reports that Groening was quick to change the subject when asked about The Problem With Apu, during his press tour for his upcoming Netflix animated series Disenchantment….
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