Hank Azaria, the voice of countless classic Simpsons characters, has declared that he is willing to stand aside as the voice of Apu.
The character has become the centre of a controversy after a documentary raised questions about the racial stereotyping inherent in one of the most loved figures on the show.
Indian-American comedian Hari Kondabolu recently released the film The Problem With Apu, which charts his relationship with the stereotypical Indian supermarket proprietor.
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He initially saw Apu as a representation of his people on screen, but latterly saw the character as a rude stereotype that contributed to racism against South Asian people. Kondabolu described Apu as 'a white guy doing an impression of a white guy making fun of my father'.
Azaria, who has voiced the character since the start of the show, admitted on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert that Apu could be considered a racist stereotype.
"Of course I understand," he said. "It's come to my attention more and more over the past couple years. The idea that anyone young or old, past or present, being bullied based on Apu really makes me sad. It certainly was not my intention. I wanted to bring joy and laughter to people."
The Simpsons responded to the criticisms made in the film in a recent episode, which was received poorly by many viewers.
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"I had nothing to do with the writing or the voicing [in that episode]," said Azaria. "I think if anyone came away from that segment thinking they need to lighten up...that's definitely not the message that I want to send.
"I've given this a lot of thought, and as I say my eyes have been opened. I think the most important thing is to listen to Indian people and their experience with it.
"I really want to see Indian, South Asian writers in the writers room...including how [Apu] is voiced or not voiced. I'm perfectly willing to step aside. It just feels like the right thing to do to me."
The segment in question featured Marge discovering that a book from her childhood was filled with stereotypes. She is later visited by the book's author and by the ghost of Jungle Book author Rudyard Kipling, who tell her to write an updated, politically-correct version of the book.
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"Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive, is now politically incorrect. What can you do?" asks Marge's daughter, Lisa, the voice of liberalism in the show, direct to camera. She adds: "Some things will be dealt with at a later date, if at all."
Kondabolu was unimpressed, tweeting: "In The Problem with Apu, I used Apu & The Simpsons as an entry point into a larger conversation about the representation of marginalized groups & why this is important. The Simpsons response tonight is not a jab at me, but at what many of us consider progress."
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Featured Image Credit: The Simpsons / FoxTopics: TV and Film, Celebrity