Travis P Ball/Getty Images for SXSWGuess what? Mindy Kaling is [bleeping] tired of hearing complaints and criticism claiming that her show isn't diverse enough.
The funnywoman defended The Mindy Project during "Running the Show: TV's New Queen of Comedy," a Marie Claire-sponsored panel discussion of her show at SXSW in Austin, Texas, earlier today after an audience member asked, "You guys have a great, diverse set of characters, but was it a conscious decision for Mindy to be the only female doctor, and the only doctor color of show?"
Kaling had a very candid response. "I look at shows on TV, and this is going to just seem defensive, but I'm just gonna say it: I'm a f--king Indian woman who has her own f--king network television show, OK?"
That was just the beginning.
"I have four series regulars that are women on my show, and no one asks any of the shows I adore—and I won't name them because they're my friends—why no leads on their shows are women or of color, and I'm the one that gets lobbied about these things. And I'll answer them, I will. But I know what's going on here. It is a little insulting because, I'm like, God, what can I—oh, I'm sitting in it. I have 75 percent of the lines on the show."
She continued, "And I'm like, oh wait, it's not like I'm running a country, I'm not a political figure. I'm someone who's writing a show and I want to use funny people. And it feels like it diminishes the incredibly funny women who do come on my show..I don't know, it's a little frustrating."
When asked about her personal strategy to try and create a change when it comes to television, Kaling explained, "I feel that I can just be successful, hire people that I think are cool, and try to live my life in a way that doesn't cause embarrassment or shame to people. And try to be, at this point, a role model, and be on good behavior...And try to do a show that doesn't offend people too much and isn't irresponsible."
In less controversial news, Mindy was able to enjoy some relaxation over the weekend. "NO MAKEUP NO PANTS NO CALL TIME NO PROBLEM," she captioned a photo of herself in bed yesterday.
That's the life, girl.