Apu's voice in The Simpsons, Hank Azaria, ready to step aside after racism allegations

Hank Azaria, voice of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, an Indian shopkeeper in The Simpsons, said he was ready to step aside from the role. He was a guest in The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. “I think the most important thing is to listen to Indian people and their experience with it,” Azaria said, reported Variety. “I really want to see Indian, South Asian writers in the writers room…including how Apu is voiced or not voiced. I’m perfectly willing to step aside. It just feels like the right thing to do to me.”

Indian origin comedian Hari Kondabolu, in his documentary The Problem with Apu, argued that the character perpetuates negative stereotypes. The Simpsons features the South Asian character, who has had to grapple with the troubling stereotype of a convenience store clerk with an exaggerated, fake Indian accent since the show's existence. It was voiced by Hank Azaria.

Tweeted the show's executive producer Al Jean: "I truly appreciate all the responses pro and con. Will continue to try and find an answer that is popular and more important(ly) right."

(Inputs from agencies)