The Simpsons creator Matt Groening spoke about the Fox program’s decision in 2020 to prevent white actors from expressing characters from other ethnic backgrounds.
Days after it was confirmed that Simpsons veterinarian Harry Shearer was replaced by voice actor Kevin Michael Richardson in the role of Dr. Julius Hibbert, Groening told the BBC: “Times change, but I really had no problem with the way we were doing this. All of our actors play dozens of characters each, it was never designed to exclude anyone. “
It is similar in tone to how The Simpsons initially dealt with the controversy in 2017, when questions were raised about Hank Azaria playing Apu Nahasapeemapetilon. A few months later, an episode in which Lisa broke the fourth wall to declare: “Something that started decades ago and was applauded and harmless is now politically incorrect. What can you do?”
Asked if he regretted how he was treated, Groening said: “At some point, it doesn’t matter what you say. You’re going to be attacked by anyone, you know? We are not going out of our way to comfort fanatics. On the other hand, if you make some kind of gesture and people notice a weakness, you will be criticized. “
The cartoonist, who is currently working on the Netflix series Disenchantment, added that he is happy that things are changing. “We are trying to make it better,” he said. “Intolerance and racism are still an incredible problem and it is good to finally seek more equality and representation.”