Disney Star Sparks Controversy With Joke Defending Hitler

The next U.S. Presidential election will take place in less than a year. Which, of course, means there will be an influx of jokes, controversies, and commentary about various domestic and world issues.

John Cleese on Social Media

Enter…English actor and comedian John Cleese. The 84-year-old star is famous for many comedy roles, including appearances in Monty Python, playing Nearly Headless Nick in the first few Harry Potter films, and multiple Disney projects such as Winnie the Pooh (2011) and Around the World in 80 Days (2004).

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), the comedy actor shared a bizarre post/joke comparing Adolf Hitler to Donald Trump, hinting that, in some ways, Hitler was “preferable.” According to the post, Cleese states that Hitler (unlike Trump) “fought for his country,” “never used a teleprompter,” “was nice to dogs,” “never played golf,” “wrote his own books,” and wasn’t a “big fat slob.”

The second part of the Tweet explained ways that Trump was preferable to Hitler, stating that “he doesn’t practice genocide” and “has nicer hair.” But then the Monty Python star failed to come up with any other reasons.

Five ways that Hitler was preferable to Trump

1. He fought for his country
2. He never used a teleprompter
3. He was nice to dogs
4. He wrote his own books
5. He never played golf
6. He wasn't a big fat slob

Five ways Trump is preferable to Hitler

1. He doesn't practice…

— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) December 27, 2023

The Aftermath

As expected, the post gained much controversy for various reasons. It seems John Cleese must have sensed it because he immediately tried to backpedal and issue an apology. But his apology then turned as the former Monty Python actor began defending himself and turning on his followers and fans.

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He continued posting Tweets such as “Receiving insults from the literal minded is like being booed by a flock of sheep.”

And also, “I should have thought that was obvious to any idiot,” Cleese replied when asked if he really did prefer Hitler to Trump, adding, “If not to anyone else.”

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The controversial Tweet comes on the heels of the Christmas holiday and was posted on Boxing Day (December 26). It’s also currently at a time when there is a global rise of anti-semitism.

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Controversial comments among celebrities are nothing new, but it is unusual for one to come from a seasoned star during the holiday season.

It was only a few years ago when Disney and Lucasfilm fired Gina Carano from The Mandalorian after she had sent out a Tweet comparing political division in the U.S. to Jewish persecution in Nazi Germany.