It’s no secret in the TV world that Eddie Huang has been critical of the way his memoir Fresh Off the Boat has been portrayed on ABC.

Even before the show first debut, Huang expressed concerns his life experience would be watered down..

The relationship between Huang, who narrates the show, and the program has been so contentious, articles have been written about whether he would return for the second season.

For the record, the answer is yes.

Speaking as a featured speaker at the gala banquet of the Asian American Journalists Association convention in San Francisco Saturday, executive producer Melvin Mar commented on the controversy after being asked about it by Neil Justin, TV critic for the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

“I love Eddie,” said Mar. “He’s one of the most passionate people I’ve ever met. He wrote a great book that inspired all of it. It’s a very complicated relationship he has with the show. and I don’t know if anyone in this room knows what its like to see your family portrayed on TV every week. He has his ups and downs, but I love him. I think he realizes now it’s not a documentary. It’s not a biopic, but its an inspiration for a show that everyone can relate to.”

Mar also revealed that Shaquille O’Neil will guest star this year on an episode.

He also talked about the Asian Americans at ABC that made Fresh Off the Boat possible and took a playful jab at U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy who was the co-featured speaker at the gala.

Melvin Mar, Executive Producer of Fresh Off the Boat with TV critic Neil Justin on Vimeo.