How I Met Your Mother co-creator Carter Bays has apologised for a recent episode of the comedy series amid claims of racism against the show.
This week’s episode saw Jason Segal’s character, Marshall, slap bet with Barney (Neil Patrick Harris), and explaining that he learned the “Slap of a Million Exploding Suns” from three wise masters.
Cast regulars Alyson Hannigan, Cobie Smulders and Josh Radnor were the masters and were dressed and styled in Asian clothing.
Viewers took to Twitter to voice their anger over the use of “yellowface”, and soon the hashtag #HowIMetYourRacism was created.
I used to watch @HowIMetMother but I now refuse to and hope they apologize for yellowface. #HowIMetYourRacism
— Suey Park (@suey_park) January 15, 2014
I’m not surprised about #howimetyourracism and #yellowface on @CBS. The network’s name warned us that we’ll see BS.
— Michael (@LookMaICanWrite) January 15, 2014
people are already claiming asian american’s are overreacting. demanding to be treated w/ decency is never overreacting. #HowIMetYourRacism
— e. jae (@heyejae) January 15, 2014
If you’re going to make fun of Asian people and kungfu, at least use Asian actors on your show instead of whitewashing it #HowIMetYourRacism
— ☮ K A R E N ☮ (@kaarenmeelon) January 15, 2014
#HowIMetYourRacism our race and cultures are not convenient costumes, punch lines and terrible story writing for @CBS‘s #HIMYM
— Felix Hythlodaeus (@felixhythlo) January 15, 2014
Carter Bays responded to the claims of racism on Wednesday and apologised for any offence himself and fellow showrunner Craig Thomas caused. Taking to Twitter, he wrote:
“Hey guys, sorry this took so long. @himymcraig and I want to say a few words about #HowIMetYourRacism.
“With Monday’s episode, we set out to make a silly and unabashedly immature homage to Kung Fu movies, a genre we’ve always loved.
“But along the way we offended people. We’re deeply sorry, and we’re grateful to everyone who spoke up to make us aware of it.
“We try to make a show that’s universal, that anyone can watch and enjoy. We fell short of that this week, and feel terrible about it.
“To everyone we offended, I hope we can regain your friendship, and end this series on a note of goodwill. Thanks. @CarterBays @HimymCraig”
How I Met Your Mother is in its final season, and the finale will be airing in March.
Image via: angryasianman.com
