For a series that has been on the air for 30 years, you would think that the folks behind “The Simpsons” would have seen it all by now. But over the last year, the long-running Fox animated series has come under fire for their portrayal of the character of Apu. Thanks to a documentary about the subject, and social media backlash, the producers of the iconic sitcom now have to deal with controversy with no easy answer.
And according to the studio, the producers of “The Simpsons” will have to figure it out themselves.
As for the reason behind the backlash, it all comes down to the way the series has portrayed Apu through the years. Many believe the character is a hurtful stereotype. And on top of his portrayal on the series, he’s voiced by Hank Azaria, who is a white man.
READ MORE: Hank Azaria Says He’s “Willing And Happy” To Step Aside As Voice Of Apu On ‘The Simpsons’
Speaking at a recent TCA event (via USA Today), Fox Television Group chairman and CEO Dana Walden was asked about the controversy surrounding one of the network’s biggest properties. Responding about the backlash the series has received, Walden said, “In a day of social media where fans are able to have a public forum, I can’t say ultimately we were surprised. I think it’s good information for the creators to receive … they focused on the reaction, and I think that’s partially informing how they will move forward.”
“We have had the conversation with (producer) Jim Brooks and his team and we’ve basically left it up to them,” Walden said. “They’ve treated the characters with so much respect. We trust them to handle it in a way that will be best for the show. Ultimately we decided that would be their decision.”
READ MORE: ‘The Simpsons’ Creator Matt Groening Dismissively Responds To The Apu Controversy
The executive’s assertion that the producers on the show will handle the situation themselves comes after a strong reaction to the series’ first attempt to address the issue. In an episode last season, “The Simpsons” seemed to address the controversy with an attempt at a joke and statement that many felt was tone deaf, at best, and offensive, at worst. So, it’ll be interesting to see how the series addresses the controversy in future episodes.
However, if you think the Apu situation is going to affect the series’ standing on the network, think again. Walden is quick to acknowledge there are no plans for “The Simpsons” to go anywhere, any time soon.
“‘Simpsons’ has been so much a part of the brand, there are no plans for the show to go anywhere but Fox,” she said. “For the foreseeable future, there’s so much upside and benefit to have such a great, Emmy-winning series… [There is] no consideration of not ordering more ‘Simpsons.'”