'The Simpsons' creator says controversial 'Apu' character will remain on the show despite criticism

Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, a controversial Indian character on "The Simpsons," will not be written out of the series despite criticism about his character and negative stereotypes.

Apu, who is voiced by actor Hank Azaria, has been a staple on the show since its eighth episode aired in 1990.

What's a brief history here?

Comedian Hari Kondabolu created a 2017 documentary — "The Problem with Apu" — which explored the show's treatment of its Indian character and blasted what he said was an "insulting" and racist depiction of Indian culture.

In 2018, film producer Adi Shankar insisted that several sources close to production on "The Simpsons" told him that Apu would be departing the show in order to be more politically correct.

What are the details?

On Saturday, Variety reported that Apu will not be leaving the hit show.

Creator Matt Groening insisted during a fan panel that Apu would remain on the show.

"Yes [he is staying]. We love Apu. We're proud of Apu," he insisted.

"The Simpsons" will return for its 31st season on Sept. 29.

In previous remarks, Groening dismissed Kondabolu's buzzy documentary and the resulting criticism about the character, saying, "We don't want to be totally politically correct," and pointed out that "people love to pretend they're offended."