In an interview with the BBC on Tuesday, Matt Groening, creator of The
Simpsons
, returned to accusations of racism that affect his program.
The internationally successful animated series, spanning 32 seasons since its premiere in 1989, has been criticized for employing white actors in the voices of black and Asian characters.
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The protest campaign started last year.
The criticisms were mainly aimed at the character of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, a grocer of Indian origin, who owed his voice in American version to the actor Hank Azaria.
At the end of January 2020, the white actor had announced, by mutual agreement with the production, that he was abandoning this character, that he had played since 1989 and who had long been accused of conveying racist stereotypes.
Internet users had also attacked comedian Harry Shearer, who dubbed several characters including the black doctor Hibbert, as well as Homer's boss, Mr. Burns, his neighbor Ned Flanders and the principal of Skinner college.
"
Times are changing
"
Matt Groening, who had not spoken in public since 2018, told the BBC he had no issues with the old cast of his characters, although he remained open to criticism.
“
Times are changing,
” he explained.
All of our actors play dozens of characters each, but it was never designed to exclude anyone.
"
“
I totally agree with the reviews on the animated series.
And we are trying to improve it,
”Groening added to the American channel.
“
Bigotry and racism are still incredible problems and it is good to finally move towards more equality and better representation of minorities.
The production also announced that the role of Dr. Hibbert will now be played by black actor Kevin Michael Richardson, who stars in
Family Guy
.
For the rest, Matt Groening said he was very proud of his latest project.
Disenchanted
, a comic cartoon starring Princess Bean and her two fantastic creatures Elfo and Luci, has already signed its third season.
“
I work with some of the funniest and smartest people in the world, we play together and tell stories.
It's explosive,
”he concluded.