[Insider] The producers of "The Simpsons" said on Friday that they would stop using white actors to play non-white characters amid a broader discussion about systemic racism in the media and entertainment industry."Moving forward, 'The Simpsons' will no longer have white actors voice non-white characters," the statement said.
The statement did not elaborate further but comes five months after white actor Hank Azaria said he would step down from voicing Indian-American character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon after heavy criticism.
It is unclear whether Apu or any other characters would remain on the series.
Other non-white characters in "The Simpsons" who are voiced by white actors include Homer Simpson's best friend, Carl Carlson, who is also played by Azaria, and the Simpson family doctor, Dr. Hibbert, voiced by Harry Shearer.
Shearer also voiced Sanjay Nahasapeemapetilon, Apu's brother.
"The Simpsons", which is broadcast by Fox Network and made its series debut in 1989, has faced years of criticism for reinforcing racist stereotypes.
The show's announcement comes amid a wider consideration of systemic racism in media and entertainment, following country-wide demonstrations over the killing of George Floyd and other Black Americans at the hands of police.