John Cleese slammed for using homophobic slur to describe late friend Graham Chapman
The 'Monty Python' star made the comments while live on BBC 4 radio show Today
By Steve Brown
John Cleese has been slammed for using a homophobic slur to describe his Monty Python colleague Graham Chapman.
Chapman was one of the six members of the comedy group and was openly gay and a supporter of LGBT rights, but during a live streaming of BBC 4’s radio show Today, Cleese got himself into trouble by describing his late colleague as a “poof”.
When asked about diversity on Monty Python, Cleese responded: “Well that’s true. As you know Terry [Gillian] has decided he’s a black lesbian.
“And Graham Chapman – I’m not allowed to use the word poof, am I? What have I got to say?”
Host Nick Robinson then pointed out that the 78-year-old comedian had already uttered the slur to which Cleese tried to make a joke of it.
He said: “Right, Graham was homosexual and also dead. So that’s a certain amount of diversity.”
Listeners took to social media to vent at the homophobic slur and slammed him for using the term live on radio.
John Cleese:
• Moans that the right wing press are corrupt
• Voted leave, just like the right wing press told him to
• Whines about attempts to promote diversity in BBC comedy
• Uses the word ‘poof’ on the radioHurry up and fuck off to your little island, John, you twat.
— Max, Spiller Of Tea 🏳️🌈 (@SpillerOfTea) July 31, 2018
Using “poof” to describe a gay character someone was playing, whilst acknowledging beforehand that the word is unacceptable.
— Pete Ransom (@PeteRansom) July 31, 2018
John Cleese on @BBCr4today
“I can’t say poof can I?”No John, you can’t.
— Emma Charlotte Smith (@WelshAlienLDN) July 31, 2018