Simpsons creator Matt Groening has recently once again spoken out on the Indian-American convenience store owner, Apu Nahasapeemapetilon.
Back in 2017 The Simpsons and naturally, Matt Groening received escalated backlash regarding the fact that a non-white character, that character being Apu, was voiced by a white person, with the release of the documentary, The Problem With Apu.
In June last year The Simpsons producers issued a statement on diversity, saying that, “Moving forward, The Simpsons will no longer have white actors voice non-white characters.”
Sticking to their word, it was then announced last month that prolific voice actor Kevin Michael Richardson would be taking over the role of Dr Hibbert from Harry Shearer.
Now USA Today have had the chance to sit down with Matt Groening in the lead-up to the franchise celebrating 700 episodes. When asked on the future of Apu, he said, “We’ve got plans for Apu, but we have to see if we can make the stories work.”
On the topic of Apu being widely considered a stereotype, he said, “I think the Apu stories are fantastic, and he’s one of the most nuanced characters on a silly two-dimensional cartoon show.”
He continued, “So, yeah, I’m proud of Apu. I’m trying not to open up another chasm of criticism, but it doesn’t matter what I say. I’ll get it anyway.”
Groening was also asked if he was a part of the decision to increase the diversity of actors. And also if he agreed with it.
To which he said, “It was not my idea, but I’m fine with it. Who can be against diversity? So it’s great. However, I will just say that the actors were not hired to play specific characters. They were hired to do whatever characters we thought of.”
“To me, the amazing thing is seeing all our brilliant actors who can do multiple voices, do multiple voices. That’s part of the fun of animation, However, to be more inclusive and hire more people, I’m completely in favour of that.”
