Breaking News: George Floyd fallout; Simpsons Silences White Actors Voiceover for Colour Characters
“Moving forward, ‘The Simpsons’ will no longer have white actors voice non-white characters,” according to a statement made by Animated TV comedy makers, The Simpsons is ending the use of white actors to voice characters of colour, producers.
The statement was very brief, and did not divulge details on why the decision was made. However, one of the probable reasons for the move is because of the years of public pressure about the Fox television show’s Indian convenience store character Apu, who is voiced by Hank Azaria.
It was reported and stated by Azaria earlier this year that he would no longer play the character, which has been criticized as a negative portrayal of Indian-Americans.
Azaria has also voiced the Simpsons characters of Black police officer Lou and the Mexican-American Bumblebee Man. Harry Shearer has played Dr. Hibbert, who is Black.
Friday’s announcement comes in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests, which were sparked by the death of African-American George Floyd in US police custody on 25 May. The Simpsons show was also reportedly been accused of using the character in a way that reinforced racial stereotypes.
Meanwhile white US actors who had announced that they will no longer be providing voiceovers for The Simpsons characters of colour are Mike Henry and Kristen Bell.
Watch the throwback trailer of The Simpsons by 20th Century Fox Star Studios
The TV Show has gained huge popularity because of many favorite Simpsons moments, Simpsons characters, some of the favorite characters are Bart Simpson, Mr Burns, Ralph, then Milhouse, Comic Book guy, Principal Skinner, Homer, Apu, Uter, Nelson, Troy Mcclure, Rod and Todd. Fans also loved many of the favorite quotes like “eat my shorts and ha-ha inspire me too”