From Newsweek · · 1m
Apu gets new voice: List of 'Simpsons' characters recast following backlash
The Simpsons recast Apu and other characters after racist backlash.
In brief
The Simpsons recast Apu and other characters after racist backlash. The Simpsons has recast Apu Nahasapeemapetilon with Sunil Malhotra following criticism of the character's racist portrayal. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Apu returns after backlash
Apu Nahasapeemapetilon has returned to The Simpsons after eight years of silence following criticism of his racist portrayal.
“The Simpsons response tonight is not a jab at me, but at what many of us consider progress”
Hank Azaria steps back
Hank Azaria stopped voicing Apu after a 2017 documentary highlighted racist issues with the character.
“Part of me feels like I need to go to every single Indian person in this country and personally apologize”
The Simpsons recast list
The Simpsons recast multiple characters including Carl Carlson, Bumblebee Man, and Officer Lou after backlash.
Carl Carlson recast
Alex Désert replaced Hank Azaria as Carl Carlson in 2020 after the character's background was redefined.
Bumblebee Man recast
Eric Lopez first replaced Hank Azaria as Bumblebee Man in 2020, but Humberto Vélez took over in 2025.
Apu's new voice
Sunil Malhotra, who immigrated to the United States from India as a child, now voices Apu Nahasapeemapetilon.
In short
The Simpsons has recast Apu Nahasapeemapetilon with Sunil Malhotra following criticism of the character's racist portrayal.
