The Simpsons Creator Matt Groening Says He Didnt Have A Problem With White Actors Voicing Non-White Characters – Deadline

The Simpsons creator Matt Groening has spoken out about the Fox shows decision in 2020 to stop white actors voicing characters from other ethnic backgrounds.

Days after it was confirmed that Simpsons vet Harry Shearer had been replaced by voice actor Kevin Michael Richardson in the role of Dr. Julius Hibbert, Groening told the BBC: Times change, but I actually didnt have a problem with the way we were doing it. All of our actors play dozens of characters each; it was never designed to exclude anyone.

Its similar in tone to howThe Simpsons initially handled the controversy in 2017, when questions were raised about Hank Azaria playing Apu Nahasapeemapetilon.Some months later, an episode featured Lisa breaking the fourth wall to declare: Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect. What can you do?

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Asked if he regretted how it was handled, Groening said: At a certain point it doesnt matter what you say. Youre going to be attacked by whoever, you know? Were not going out of our way to comfort bigots. On the other hand, if you do any kind of gesture and people perceive a weakness, youll be criticized.

The cartoonist, who is currently working on Netflix series Disenchantment, added that hes glad things are changing. Were trying to make it better, he said. Bigotry and racism are still an incredible problem and its good to finally go for more equality and representation.

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The Simpsons Creator Matt Groening Says He Didnt Have A Problem With White Actors Voicing Non-White Characters - Deadline