The popular animated show The Simpsons will no longer use white actors to voice for characters of other colours.
“Moving forward, ‘The Simpsons’ will no longer have white actors voice non-white characters,” the producers said in a brief statement.
The move comes after amidst the protests against racism in the US. People were pointing out how racist the US pop culture is.
‘The Simpsons’ was under pressure to change the voice of an Indian character Apu, who was voiced by Hank Azaria.
However, the actor said he will not voice for the character because of the outrage even before the movement has started. He said that the character is 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.
Other white actors, including Mike Henry of animated series ”Family Guy” and Kristen Bell of “Central Park,” have also said they will no longer voice characters of color.”
“It’s been an honor to play Cleveland on ‘Family Guy’ for 20 years. I love this character, but persons of color should play characters of color. Therefore, I will be stepping down from the role,” Henry said on Twitter on Friday.
