The Simpsons problems continue ever since the documentary The Problem With Apu made waves throughout the masses. The show responded by removing the character from the show but has yet to reveal whether Apu will return or if they’ll ever address the controversy behind their response that left their future intentions up in the air in an episode last season. Now, showrunner Al Jean has added his thoughts on the controversy, which he gave in an interview with Slashfilm:
I only have two things to say about Apu. The first is, if you’re a bully and you’re using Simpsons quotes to bully people, you’re not a Simpsons fan. We don’t want you and I’ll kick your ass. My second statement is I refer people to what Matt [Groening] said on the subject.
Jean’s statement appears to say that if you’re someone who uses the character Apu to insult others of the same heritage, he’s got no love for you. As for the latter statement that he agrees with Matt Groening, the Simpsons creator said this about the controversy:
Well, I love Apu. I love the character, and it makes me feel bad that it makes other people feel bad. But on the other hand, it’s tainted now — the conversation, there’s no nuance to the conversation now. It seems very, very clunky. I love the character. I love the show.
Groening’s statement was essential that he loved Apu, and it pissed him off that the character was used to make others feel bad. At the same time, he doesn’t seem to agree that the only answer is removing Apu from the show entirely or having someone replace Hank Azaria’s voice. Azaria has agreed to step aside if asked.
We still have no clue if Apu will return in the new set of episodes for The Simpsons.
