One of the original writers of the Simpsons has apparently dismissed claims that Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu will be written out of the show.

Last week, producer and Youtuber Adi Shankar claimed that The Simpsons plans to 'drop the Apu character altogether'.

He is one of the shows most well-known characters but a documentary last year entitled The Problem with Apu sparked a fierce debate over his inclusion.

Apu Nahasapeemapetilon has been a character on The Simpsons for almost 30 years. He runs the Springfield Kwik-E-Mart and is known for the catchphrase 'Thank you, come again'

Al Jean (left) said that Adi Shankar (right) is not a Simpsons producer and doesn't' speak for the show

The film, made by comedian and film maker Hari Kondabolu, focused on how the Simpons might be stereotyping the South Asian community with the character.

Now Al Jean, who is an executive producer, has responded on Twitter saying that Adi Shankar is not a spokesperson for the show.

He tweeted: 'Adi Shankar is not a producer on the Simpsons. I wish him the very best but he does not speak for our show'.



Shankar responded with a tweet of his own asking for a meeting to discuss the character's future on the show.

He said: 'I wish you well too. Let's work towards common ground.

'Ignoring only fans the flames. The world is polarized & getting more so, and the onus is on us to bring people together.

Al Jean shot down speculation by claiming that Adi Shankar doesn't speak for the show

He is voiced by American actor Hank Azaria who has threatened to quit the show following the controversy

'Engage in a constructive way and this matter will go to bed. I see you, now I'm asking you to see me'.

In his interview last week, he said he believes axing the character entirely would be a big mistake and could be seen as avoiding the controversy entirely.

He said: 'If you are a show about cultural commentary and you are too afraid to comment on the culture, especially when it’s a component of the culture you had a hand in creating, then you are a show about cowardice.

'It’s not a step forward, or step backwards, it’s just a massive step sideways. After having read all these wonderful scripts, I feel like sidestepping this issue doesn’t solve it when the whole purpose of art, I would argue, is to bring us together'.

The Problem with Apu, released in November 2017, took a critical look at the character of Apu on The Simpsons.

Hank Azaria (left) has threatened to quit his role as the voice of Apu following the controversy. But Matt Groening, the show's creator, attempted to brush off criticism in May saying he was proud of what they do on the show

In the documentary, Kondabolu argues that the stereotypical portrayal of Indian and South Asian-Americans embodied by Apu is culturally insensitive and detrimental to the community’s portrayal in modern American culture.

The documentary’s success sparked a renewed debate about cultural sensitivity and racial stereotyping in the media.

Many critics hailed it for restarting public discussion on such issues.

One of the main 'problems' with Apu is that the character is voiced by Hank Azaria, a white actor, who admitted his portrayal of Apu is actually a homage to white British actor Peter Sellers playing an Indian in the 1968 comedy The Party.

On April 8, however, The Simpsons attempted to address the accusations in its newest episode called No Good Read Goes Unpunished.

But later that month Hank Azaria said he might quit the controversial role of voicing Apu following the race row.