The character of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, the proprietor of the Kwik-E-Mart in the long-running animated series The Simpsons, has returned to the show with a new voice. Apu had been largely absent from speaking roles for approximately eight years following public criticism regarding the character's portrayal.

The controversy surrounding Apu gained significant national attention following the 2017 documentary 'The Problem with Apu,' created by comedian Hari Kondabolu. The documentary argued that the character relied on harmful racial stereotypes and a caricature of South Asian identity. While the show's producers initially defended the character, the production team eventually moved to phase out the character's speaking lines to avoid further conflict. The recent return marks a shift in the show's approach to the character, though the identity of the new voice actor and the specific creative direction for Apu's future storylines remain limited in current reporting.