Matt Groening, the creator of "The Simpsons," weighed in on a brewing controversy with one of the show's characters by saying people enjoy acting like they take offense to things.
Groening spoke with USA Today about the animated show, which aired its 636th episode over the weekend — a record for a scripted primetime series.
The show is being pressured to change its character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, an Indian-American who owns a convenience store in the fictional town of Springfield. The character is voiced by a white man, and the show has been accused of including too many racial stereotypes about him.
"Not really," Groening told USA Today when asked if he would like to comment on the Apu controversy. "I'm proud of what we do on the show. And I think it's a time in our culture where people love to pretend they're offended."
Hank Azaria, the man who voices Apu on the show, said last week he would like to see Apu developed into a new character. He signaled his willingness to quit the show if that does not happen.
"I'm perfectly happy and willing to step aside or help transition it into something new," Azaria said. "I really hope that's what 'The Simpsons' does, it not only makes sense, it just feels like the right thing to do to me."
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