# Apu gets new voice: List of 'Simpsons' characters recast following backlash

> The Simpsons recast Apu and other characters after racist backlash.
- Title: Apu gets new voice: List of 'Simpsons' characters recast…
- Summary: The Simpsons recast Apu and other characters after racist backlash. The Simpsons has recast Apu Nahasapeemapetilon with Sunil Malhotra following criticism of…
- Keywords: simpsons, apu, sunil malhotra, hank azaria, the problem with apu, racism, recast, the simpsons, homer simpsons, carl carlson, bumblebee man, officer lou
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/entertainment/apu-gets-new-voice-list-of-simpsons-characters-recast-following-backlash-12588028
- Published: 2026-10-19T14:25:31+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: simpsons, apu, sunil malhotra, hank azaria, the problem with apu, racism, recast, the simpsons, homer simpsons, carl carlson, bumblebee man, officer lou
## 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.
## Key takeaway

The Simpsons has recast Apu Nahasapeemapetilon with Sunil Malhotra following criticism of the character's racist portrayal.