'It wasn't intentional': Fortnite developer responds after 'Simpsons' Apu bug

fortnite Developer Epic Games says it will tweak graphics in its newly launched game The Simpsons Season depicting light-skinned store owner Apu Nahasapeemapetilon.

Earlier this week, fans discovered this photo on the wall of Moe's Tavern, featuring a classic photo from The Simpsons depicting Ap, Barney, Homer and Principal Skinner during their tenure with barbershop quartet The Be Sharps.

Apu was incorrectly shown with the same yellow skin tone as his fellow singer, although many were quick to point out that the character was correctly depicted in other images from the same location.

As bad as this seems, I'm pretty sure it was an oversight. He is on another picture which is rendered correctly https://t.co/Rqyy5o79p3 pic.twitter.com/Q6mS2aV4XJ

— Diller (@nescartridges) November 4, 2025

Now, media reports claim that Epic Games is trying to remove the character in some way, and the developer released a brief statement on social media in response. “This is not intentional and we will adjust it in the next version,” Epic Games wrotein an update on his Fortnite Status account.

In recent years, with the release of the 2017 documentary “Apu's Problem,” Apu has taken a backseat on The Simpsons. The character was strongly criticized for being a racist South Asian stereotype.. Longtime “The Simpsons” voice actor Hank Azaria subsequently announced that he would no longer be playing the character – and since then, the character has only appeared without dialogue.

Earlier this week, Epic Games celebrates player surge as Fortnite Simpsons Season launches to get a positive response. Fans rave about Springfield Entertainment's Easter eggs in the game, though there are a few Criticism of new pet Sidekick cosmetics launched this weekrequiring multiple purchases to fully re-customize.

Next up, Fortnite will host an end-of-year event on November 29th, where The Simpsons mini-season will come to an end and the game's new Chapter 7 era will arrive – so look forward to it The game will feature some sort of Quentin Tarantino crossover.

Tom Phillips is IGN's news editor. You can contact Tom at [email protected] or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social