The Simpsons creator Matt Groening slated by Hindu-American org over ‘disappointing Apu defence: ‘Children are being bullied’

The Simpsons creator Matt Groening has been hit with backlash from Hindu-American.org after doubling down on his defence of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon.

The Kwik-E-Mart owner has been recast following backlash that he’s a walking stereotype and voiced by a white Actor – Hank Azaria. 

The Friends and Along Came Polly actor chose to discontinue playing the character in light of the controversy surrounding the convenience store worker and the eye-opening documentary, The Problem with Apu, which detailed why the Springfield resident is so problematic. 

As The Simpsons celebrated its 700th episode, Matt said he was ‘proud’ of Apu and that it wasn’t his choice to re-cast him.

Shereen Bhalla, a spokesperson for Hindu-American.org, has told TMZ how Apu has made the community feel ‘marginalised’. 

She also explained the repercussions have characters like Apu have on children growing up Hindu, and contributes to them being bullied at school. Subsequently, she is ‘disappointed’ to see concerns about Apu being dismissed.

Speaking to USA Today, Groening said: ‘I think the Apu stories are fantastic, and he’s one of the most nuanced characters on a silly two-dimensional cartoon show. 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.’ 

Has also said he was ‘fine’ to stop white actors voicing non-white characters, but it wasn’t his idea. 

‘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.’ 

The Simpsons airs on Sky One in the UK and is available to stream on Disney Plus.

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