this post was submitted on 08 Oct 2023
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Yikes, yeah I had missed this controversy. For those that were also in the dark:
https://variety.com/2020/film/news/john-cleese-transphobic-tweets-jk-rowling-1234837693/
If that's all that's like the least damning controversy possible.
This controversy seems constructed to me. Not caring about how others live their lives is different from being against it….
Thing is that he gets to speak out in support of someone actively working to harm trans people in the UK. But then when the backlash comes around, he gets to say that he doesn't care.
If he didn't care, then why stick his nose in it?
If he hopes that trans people are happy and that people treat them kindly, then why does he speak favourably of people who want to strip them of their legal recognitions and protections, and who harass and degrade them?
One can argue that he doesn't know the extent of the issues that trans people face. And that fair. But that ignorance is weaponised against trans people. He either doesn't need to care so he doesn't inform himself before speaking. Or he does care and is opposed to trans people living their lives authentically, and is just saying that he doesn't care to avoid getting embroiled in the controversy.
Without knowing what goes on in his mind, I’d argue he’s getting old. Previously Cleese worked with Rowling, maybe he held positive views on her as a person and wanted to express that. I don’t know. Judging by his public appearances I’d argue that he just likes to make controversial or odd statements in order to get some laughs but doesn’t see any harm in those statements.
What I’m saying is: he’s old.
Sure he's a curmudgeonly old man walking down the same path so many previous comedians walk: when their jokes stop landing, they rage at minorities rather than updating their craft.
It still does harm. He doesn't get a free pass.
That quote is about as supportive as an old sod like him will get. I'm surprised actually. The other tweets are more harmful, but he uses the right pronouns at least.