Hank Azaria apologizes for role of racially stereotyped character Apu in ‘The Simpsons’

American actor Hank Azaria has addressed the controversy surrounding his character of ‘Apu’ in the hit American sitcom ‘The Simpsons’.

Talking to Stephen Colbert of The Late Show, the actor who voices the Indian shopkeeper named Apu Nahasapeemapetilon had addressed the issue of his character being the target of ample criticism, stating that he would be willing to step down the role.

"I think the most important thing is to listen to Indian people and their experience with it. 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," he revealed to Colbert.

The actor had been surrounded with controversy ever since a documentary titled The Problem with Apu had been released last year. The documentary’s writer Hari Kondabolu had stated that the character is a quintessence of racial stereotypes.

Runners of the Fox TV series had remained silent on the issue, till the release of episode ‘No Good Read Goes Unpunished’ where the famed character of Lisa can be seen stating “something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect.”

Azaria had issued a formal apology in the talkshow, saying: “The idea that anyone young or old, past or present, being bullied based on Apu really makes me sad. It certainly was not my intention. I wanted to bring joy and laughter to people."