The Simpsons Addresses its Apu Controversy, Implying no Change to Come

Following the publicity around comedian Hari Kondabolu’s documentary, The Problem With Apu, The Simpsons has responded directly in the place where it so often has over the years—within the show itself. Dogged by criticism that the character of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon represented negative South Asian stereotypes, The Simpsons laid out a simple acknowledgement and defense during Sunday’s new episode, “No Good Read Goes Unpunished.”
In the episode, Marge takes it upon herself to prune the book The Princess in the Garden for Lisa, updating its cultural sensibilities to be politically correct in 2018. Lisa counters that this neuters the story and emotional growth of the character, before seguing into the Apu question by literally glancing over at a framed photo of Apu’s face.
“What am I supposed to do?” asks Marge.
“It’s hard to say,” replies Lisa. “Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive, is now politically incorrect. What can you do?”
“Some things will be dealt with at a later date,” Marge offers cryptically.