The Simpsons’ response to decades of Apu concerns proved less than ideal, and it’s still unclear if the FOX animation staple will consider changes. Star Hank Azaria is rethinking his role, however, and now claims he’s “willing to step aside.”
Days after The Simpsons tried to address criticisms of Apu, showrunners have acknowledged their mistake. Writer Al Jean promises the long-running animated comedy will find a better way to address the character’s controversial history, and hopefully stay “popular.”
The Simpsons re-ignited controversy around the show’s portrayal of Apu, and The Problem isn’t going away. TruTV will re-air comedian Hari Kondabolu’s The Problem With Apu on Sunday, and even pit it against its inspiration.
It’s been months since comedian Hari Kondabolu laid out The Problem With Apu, and The Simpsons at last responds. A short aside from Sunday’s latest sees Lisa brushing off the stereotype controversy as “something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive,” and unlikely to be changed.