Hank Azaria, who voices The Simpsons character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, says the show’s producers are going to address the controversy over the depiction of Apu.
In the documentary The Problem With Apu, comedian Hari Kondabolu argues that the character perpetuates negative stereotypes (Apu owns a convenience store on The Simpsons).
“The idea that anybody, young or old, past or present, was bullied or teased or worse based on the character of Apu on The Simpsons, the voice or any other tropes of the character is distressing,” Azaria told Variety. “And especially in post 9/11 America, the idea that anybody was marginalized based on it or had a hard time was very upsetting to me personally and professionally.”
Azaria has voiced Apu more than 30 years. He said The Simpsons producers will address the complaints going forward. “They are giving it a lot of thought,” he said. “We’ve discussed it a little bit, and they will definitely address, maybe publicly, but certainly creatively within the context of the show, what they want to do, if anything, differently with the character.”
