Film and TV producer Adi Shankar has claimed The Simpsons character Apu could be dropped from the show to avoid the controversy that has surrounded the Indian-American convenience store owner.
Apu Nahasapeemapetilon was introduced on The Simpsons in 1990 and has been criticised by some viewers as a mocking Indian caricature who speaks in a stereotypical accent provided by a Caucasian voice actor, Hank Azaria.
Mr Shankar claimed sources that work for the show told him the Kwik-E Mart owner would be phased out following the growing argument regarding his stereotype.
“I got some disheartening news back, that I’ve verified from multiple sources now: They’re going to drop the Apu character altogether," Mr Shankar told the IndieWire.
"They aren’t going to make a big deal out of it, or anything like that, but they’ll drop him altogether just to avoid the controversy."
Mr Shankar said he verified the news with two people working on The Simpsons and a third source that works for creator Matt Groening, according to the publication.
SBS News has reached out to the show for comment.
The argument surrounding Apu gained visibility from works like “The Problem With Apu,” a documentary created by comedian Hari Kondabolu, and it was hardly quelled by the show’s apparent response, an April episode in which the characters briefly attempted to address it.
Speaking directly to the camera, Lisa Simpson says: “Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect. What can you do?”
As Lisa glances at a picture of Apu, Marge Simpson carries on, “Some things will be dealt with at a later date.
Lisa adds: “If at all.”
Azaria also said he was “happy to step aside” as the voice of the character.
File image of Simpsons characters Homer and Marge, and Manjula and Apu. Source: FOX Image Collection
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