Simpsons Showrunner Puts the Brakes on Apu Questions
Al Jean does not want to talk about the Simpsons controversy over the character Apu. In a recent interview with Slashfilm writer Fred Topel, Jean was happy to talk about the upcoming 30th Anniversary season of America’s most infamous animated family, as long as the questions weren’t about Apu.
Topel asked Jean if the Simpsons head honchos had talked with Hank Azaria about the future of the character. Jean gave a short answer. “I only have two things to say about Apu,” he said, which turned out to really only be one thing. “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,” he said. His second statement was to refer people to what Simpsons creator Matt Groening has already said on the subject.
Attempts to follow up were quickly and abruptly halted. When Topel asked, “We have heard from you and Matt, but not James L. Brooks. What does he think about this matter?” Jean replied, I have no comment. An attempt to ask a broader question about whether actors have any say in the characters they voice, again Jean replied, “I have no other comments about Apu.”
The questions relate to a documentary for truTV created by political and social commentary comedian Hari Kondabolu. In the doc, Kondabolu takes aim at Simpsons character Apu, calling the character a racist stereotype and arguing that the character is damaging and harmful.
Although Azaria has addressed the doc thoughtfully, The Simpsons creators have not done a terrific job responding to the criticism. In April a wink toward the issue during a Season 29 episode seemed unsatisfying to Kondabolu, critics, and fans of the show.
Al Jean may have been gunshy after his last attempt to deal with the controversy on Twitter had an equally lukewarm reception. He wrote last April, “I truly appreciate all responses pro and con [to the episode]. Will continue to try to find an answer that is popular & more important right.” Fans weren’t sure if Jean was truly interested in the issue, cracking a joke, or being sarcastic, particularly since Jean had spent the day retweeting comments and headlines that lashed out at Kondabolu.
Season 30 premieres this Sunday, September 30 on Fox.
