‘The Simpsons’ producer admits he’s “nervous” about cancel culture
The Simpsons producer Al Jean has admitted he’s “nervous” about cancel culture.
The showrunner discussed criticism the beloved series has faced, including in terms of the portrayal of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, and how those in charge have adapted.
“Well, it’s important to know your audience and if you lose your audience, then you’ve made a really big mistake,” Jean told Metro. “I also think that it is important for comedians to be allowed to do satire.”
He went on: “I think of people like Kathy Griffin who was criticised when she was being satirical. And I go, there’s a danger when we tell comedians what is or isn’t funny.
“You can say, ‘I don’t like it’, or you don’t want to laugh… You want to buy it or watch it? That’s great, keep watching us. But in terms of seeing, ‘Oh this is permissible speech,’ I get very nervous when you go down that slope.”
Al Jean also opened up recently about his bucket list of stars he would love to have cameo on The Simpsons, with John Lennon firmly at the top.
“Many of the ones that I’d say would be a dream are never going to be on, like John Lennon or Neil Armstrong,” he said.
“We had tried to get a few US presidents, not recently, and they said no so that was the sort of like the Holy Grail we never found.”
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Ella Kemp
NME
