Thu Sep 19 09:47:00 UTC 2024: ## Monty Python Feud Heats Up as Cleese Denies Firing Manager and Blames Idle for “Invention”
John Cleese has hit back at former Monty Python colleague Eric Idle, denying Idle’s claims that he fired the troupe’s manager, Jim Beach, and replaced him with Terry Gilliam’s daughter, Holly. The latest salvo in the ongoing feud comes after Idle earlier this year expressed his unhappiness with Cleese and the group’s current state of affairs.
Idle ignited the controversy by tweeting that Cleese had fired Beach and installed Holly as manager, leading to the group’s alleged financial struggles. He also claimed that the troupe’s income streams had “tailed off disastrously.”
Cleese, however, vehemently denied these claims, stating that Beach resigned after suffering a stroke and that Holly, who had already been working as Beach’s second-in-command, took over as manager automatically.
Cleese also defended Holly’s managerial capabilities, stating she has been efficient and hard-working during her ten years with the troupe. Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam have also expressed their agreement with Cleese’s assessment.
While Cleese and Idle have previously acknowledged a strained relationship, Cleese’s recent comments suggest a deepening rift between the two comedic icons. The feud comes at a time when the remaining members of Monty Python recently reunited for Palin’s birthday dinner, with Idle notably absent.
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