The creators of the television series “The Simpsons” will no longer want to use white voice actors to set non-white figures. The US production company Fox Studios announced yesterday to the AFP news agency. The decision in the midst of nationwide anti-racism protests affects the “Simpsons” characters Apu Nahasapeemapetilon and Dr. Hibbert.
Hank Azaria, the long-time voice actor for the Indian-born shop owner Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, had already announced at the beginning of the year that he would give up the soundtrack. There had been repeated allegations of racism before. Critics accused Azaria of stereotyping Apu Nahasapeemapetilon’s for exaggerating its Indian accent.
Shearer also lends voice to numerous other characters
Fox Studios’ decision also affects the figure of doctor Dr. Hibbert, set to music by white actor Harry Shearer. Shearer lends his voice to numerous other “Simpsons” characters, including the notorious entrepreneur Mr. Burns and the lively neighbor of the Simpson family, Ned Flanders.
Nationwide anti-racism protests in the US have also fueled the debate about structural racism and discrimination in US society. The protests were sparked by the brutal death of African American George Floyd during a police operation in Minneapolis in late May.
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