‘Simpsons’ creator Matt Groening says he’s proud of Apu’s character

The creator of “The Simpsons” seems to suggest that the flashback of having a white actor voice Apu for all these years really isn’t that bad … in his eyes.

Moderator Matt Groening did an interview with USA today in honor of the upcoming 700th episode, and he was asked about the controversy – namely, not having an Indian actor playing the Indian character … not to mention claims that Apu has been portrayed as a walking stereotype .

Groening had some interesting answers … for starters, he says he’s willing to bring in new voice actors in the name of diversity – the more the merrier, he explains. However, you can tell Matt isn’t as armed as some have been about handling Apu.

He was asked if he would change the nature of the character and / or the stories of Apu in light of the criticism that he lacks depth, and MG says this … “I think the stories of Apu are fantastic, and he’s one of the most nuanced characters on a two-dimensional cartoon series. So, yeah, I’m proud of Apu.

He also adds this knowing he might have a backlash, “I’m trying not to open another pit of criticism, but whatever I say. I’ll get it anyway.” Matt goes on to say that the idea of ​​having white actors voicing non-white characters – which ‘The Simpsons’ chose to do in the end – wasn’t his idea, but that he “goes with it. “.

Matt also says that the original intention wasn’t to get certain characters to hear certain actors – they were just trying to use each other’s talent to the fullest, but he says he understands. As to whether the Simpsons brass should have embraced this change years ago, he says… “Yeah. And I heard they wanted to take the guns away from Yosemite Sam. He’s kinda brash.” “