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The Simpsons Creator Matt Groening Confirms Apu Will Still Feature

The Simpsons Creator Matt Groening Confirms Apu Will Still Feature

It was previously rumoured the character would be dropped due to backlash over racial stereotypes

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

The Simpsons creator Matt Groening has confirmed that - despite reports to the contrary - controversial character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon will not be written out of the show.

Groening, as well as a number of other senior figures from The Simpsons, spoke to crowds at Disney's D23 Expo in Anaheim, California.

Disney recently acquired The Simpsons when they took over control of 20th Century Fox.

Speaking at the House of Mouse convention, Groening was asked by a fan whether Apu - who has become the centre of a controversy regarding negative stereotypes of South Asian people - would be remaining on the show.

Groening responded: "Yes. We love Apu. We're proud of Apu."

Apu has caused controversy in recent years.
20th Century Fox

If you're not familiar with the controversy, it came to the public attention when comedian Hari Kondabolu, an American of Indian descent, interviewed celebrities of South Asian heritage for his documentary film The Problem with Apu.

In the film, they spoke about how the character - voiced by Hank Azaria - has had a negative effect on their lives and serves to reinforce negative stereotypes regarding Indians and South Asians.

Kondabolu, in the film, referred to Apu as 'a white guy doing an impression of a white guy making fun of my father'.

The Simpsons' executive producer Al Jean has spoken in the past about the Kondabolu's documentary and confirmed that the writers team have discussed the issue.

Hank Azaria is the voice of Apu.
PA

Last year, he said: "Some people are offended by the character and I take that very seriously.

"Others really love the character. It's a difficult choice. I don't want to offend people, but we also want to be funny.

"We don't want to be totally politically correct. That has never been us. It's given us a lot of thought."

Azaria, who is the voice of many characters on the show aside from Apu, has offered to step aside from the role as a result of the offence and controversy caused.

He told The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: "Of course I understand. 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."

Hari Kondabolu's film argues that the character reinforces negative stereotypes of South Asians.
PA

He added: "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."

Featured Image Credit: PA/20th Century Fox

Topics: TV and Film, US Entertainment