The future of Apu on the Simpsons remains unclear.
Just days after You Tube star Adi Shankar quoted sources who told him the Indian immigrant who runs Kwik-E-Mart would be quietly dismissed from the program, Simpson showrunner Al Jean said hold on.
“Adi Shankar is not a producer on The Simpsons,” he tweeted.
Adi Shankar is not a producer on the Simpsons. I wish him the very best but he does not speak for our show.
— Al Jean (@AlJean) October 28, 2018
Shankar ran an online contest this year asking contestants to write a script to alter the Apu character to something more representative of the Indian American community.
He was quick to respond to Jean’s retort.
I wish you well too. Let’s work towards common ground. Ignoring only fans the flames. The world is polarized & getting more so, and the onus is on us to bring people together. Engage in a constructive way and this matter will go to bed. I see you, now I’m asking you to see me.
— Adi Shankar (@adishankarbrand) October 29, 2018
Shankar has said he doesn’t want Apu to go away. He just wants the character to be less of a stereotype, saying there are not enough Indian American characters on TV.
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