Hank Azaria: Fixing the Simpson's Apu is 'The right thing to do'

ASAM NEWS

HANK AZARIA, the voice of Apu in The Simpsons, appeared apologetic this week for his portrayal of Apu, a character of Indian descent with a stereotypical accent.
Azaria told Stephen Colbert on The Late Show, “It was certainly not my intention [to cause offense with his portrayal of Apu]. I wanted to spread laughter and joy with this character and the idea that it was used to marginalize people, it’s upsetting, genuinely.”

Shortly after hearing Azaria’s comments, Hari Kondabalu, producer of the documentary, The Problem with Apu, sent a tweet praising Azaria for his remarks.

Azaria distanced himself from a recent controversial Simpson’s episode when the show’s creators seemed to be indifferent to Kondabalu’s concerns.

APU

“The idea that anyone young or old, past or present, being bullied based on Apu really makes me sad,” Azaria said, according to the BBC.

Kondabalu’s documentary sparked a wide range of reaction ranging from praise to indifference.

Kondabalu spent a great amount of time in his documentary trying to get Azaria to speak to him. At one point, Azaria seemed opened to the idea, but it never happened.

Azaria’s interview on The Late Show marks a major turning point.

Among the notable things he said:

“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 and happy to step aside, or help transition it into something new.

“It not only makes sense, it just feels like the right thing to do to me.”

Azaria's apologetic response is in contrast to one of The Simpsons creators. Asked if he had any response to the criticisms raised in The Problem With Apu and after its release, Simpsons creator Matt Groening delivered a less-than-stellar answer to USA Today.

"Not really," he said. "I’m proud of what we do on the show. And I think it’s a time in our culture where people love to pretend they’re offended."

He wants the show to "speak for itself," he said. That happened already, but — much like Groening's chat with USA Today — it wasn't much of a response, but what you would expect from a white man who has no idea of the pain his racial blindness can cause.

Many fans felt let down earlier in April when the show addressed the Apu controversy head-on, sort of. It starts with the Marge character reading Lisa an old bedtime story that's been updated for a more politically correct age. Lisa isn't a fan of the changes.

"Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect. What can you do?" As she finishes her comment, the camera pans over to a framed photo of Apu.

"Some things will be dealt with at a later date," Marge responded. "If at all," Lisa added, as both turn and look directly into the "camera."

Basically, the Simpsons' creators gave the middle finger to you "complainers."

We'll see what happens next ... if anything. And, I ain't pretendin'!

(Additional reporting by Views From the Edge to update.)
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