Almost exactly three years ago, Hank Azaria said he was willing to step aside from voicing Apu on “The Simpsons.” His eyes had been opened by critics of the character, he said.

Well, apparently Azaria’s eyes weren’t open quite enough at that time.

Because now, he feels like he needs to apologize to every Indian for his portrayal of possibly the only respectable character on the long-running animated sitcom:

Hear that, Hank Azaria? Are you gonna put your money where your mouth is?

It’s pretty lame, is what it is.

That, too.