'Apu arrives': Backlash over introduction of India's Modi at G20 summit

The comparison of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Simpsons character Apu has been described as disrespectful to a foreign leader.

Simpsons character Apu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Simpsons character Apu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Source: AAP

An Argentine news channel has been slammed for using controversial Simpsons character Apu to announce the arrival of the Indian Prime Minister to the G20 summit.  

"Apu arrives" was the headline used by a local news channel, as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Buenos Aires for the G20 summit.

Cronic TV also aired an image of the controversial character from the US animated sitcom, which has been the subject of recent debate over racial stereotyping.

Social media users were quick to criticise the network for the "racist" depiction.

The fictional character is voiced by Caucasian actor Hank Azaria, who uses a thick Indian accent when portraying the convenience store owner.

A recent documentary The Problem With Apu, created by comedian Hari Kondabolu, delves into why the character is offensive.

In response to the Argentine news channel’s use of the character, Mr Kondabolu tweeted: "This couldn't be true, right?"

Other world leaders also encountered problems upon arriving. 

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived on Thursday, but the Argentine delegation had not managed to get there in time to greet him. 

SBS News was left to unexpectedly take on the duties. 


Share
2 min read

Published

Updated


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world
'Apu arrives': Backlash over introduction of India's Modi at G20 summit | SBS News