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John Cleese tweets a lot.
The British comedian comments on Donald Trump and the US election, the pandemic and Hitler via social media - always critical, often sarcastic.
That same tone has now led to a bitter exchange of blows with trans activists.
Stumbling block: The 81-year-old “Monty Python” star signed an open letter in the “Sunday Times” at the end of September with the support of Joanne K. Rowling.
The "Harry Potter" author, who campaigns for women's rights, had raised the LGBTQ community against her this year with critical statements on transgender issues.
Rowling has since resisted allegations of being transphobic.
The signatories of the letter called against misogynist hate campaigns on social media.
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On Sunday, Cleese was asked on Twitter if he could share his thoughts on Rowling's position on trans people.
Cleese replied dismissively.
“I'm afraid I am not particularly interested in trans people.
I just hope they are happy and treated well.
Right now I am focusing on the attacks on democracy in the US, the rampant corruption in the UK, the terrible British press, the revelations of police brutality, Covid-19 (...) and the recent deaths in my close circle of friends, ”he pointed out the request.
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This was preceded by allegations as to whether Cleese's signature meant that he showed solidarity with transphobia and discrimination.
“Yes, and with torturing small animals and setting fire to babies.
Can you read minds? ”Cleese replied acidly.
In turn, the critics blamed his responses on the comedian, who subsequently fought against this new wave of charges.
“In the heart of my heart, I would like to be a Cambodian policewoman.
Is that allowed or am I unrealistic? ”He replied to the angry question why he doesn't just let people be who they want to be.
The post provoked over 2000 comments.
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Cleese also gave a reason why he was so angry about the hostility.
“The complete lack of a relation bothers me.
And of course the complete absence of a sense of humor, ”he wrote.
He continued: “If you cannot control your emotions, you have to control other people's behavior.
That's why the most sensitive, overly sensitive and easily excitable shouldn't set the standard for the rest of us. ”He also posted a collage of screenshots showing the most violent insults against Rowling at the height of the discussion in June.
In the meantime, the Twitter storm seems to have subsided, at least on the comedian side.
Cleese tweets again about the US election.