John Cleese may be an institution of the British comedy scene, but he has attracted criticism for recent comments made on Twitter that aren't particularly funny.
The Monty Python man took to the social media platform to complain about how, in his view, "London [is] not really an English city any more."
He added: "Virtually all my friends from abroad have confirmed my observation. So there must be some truth in it..."
Some years ago I opined that London was not really an English city any more
Since then, virtually all my friends from abroad have confirmed my observation
So there must be some truth in it...
I note also that London was the UK city that voted most strongly to remain in the EU— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) May 29, 2019
His thinly-veiled xenophobic remarks drew criticism from the likes of London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who said the 79-year-old's comments "sound like he’s in character as Basil Fawlty."
These comments make John Cleese sound like he’s in character as Basil Fawlty.
Londoners know that our diversity is our greatest strength. We are proudly the English capital, a European city and a global hub. https://t.co/ZRkNKF3n38— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) May 29, 2019
Others have pointed out Cleeese's hypocrisy, considering that he now lives on the Caribbean island of Nevis.
Since the controversy erupted, Cleese has defended his comments, denying that they are racist but 'culturalist'.
It might interest those people who seem to think my remarks about London
are racist as opposed to culturalist, to consider that what I like about spending time in Nevis.
Nevis has excellent race relations, a very well educated population, no sign of political correctness......— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) May 29, 2019
......no sign of Rupert Murdoch, conscientious lawyers, a relaxed and humorous life style, a deep love of cricket, and a complete lack of knife crime
And, of course, wonderful weather— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) May 29, 2019
He also replied to tweets criticising the fact that he lives in a tax-free haven, saying "After 53 years of paying tax at the top rate, whether in the UK or the US, I feel that as I turn 80, I'm allowed to take a couple of years off."
It seems that some fans aren't convinced, however...
Just got back from a day trip to London and John Cleese is right, London has changed. I didn't see a single chimney sweep, street urchin, woman feeding birds or a nanny with a flying umbrella. Depressing.
— Woo (@jonnywoo34) May 30, 2019
Sounding like a true xenophobic pussyclart. Well done. ??
— Kelechi Okafor (@kelechnekoff) May 29, 2019
I feel genuinely sad about John Cleese's tweet. It's not worthy of him. I know he's grown old and grumpy etc etc but he was a great hero of mine - particularly when he took on Muggeridge and that ridiculous Bishop... he's let himself and all of us down.
— Otto English (@Otto_English) May 29, 2019
What the hell is an English city? Is Edinburgh a Scottish city any@more considering how many English live there?
English city! The arrogance from a nation that for centuries invaded other countries and took their resources and made them British countries and before that English!— Gregor Findlay (@Gr3g0rF) May 29, 2019
