Disney Star Stirs Controversy By Finding Hitler “Preferable” to Donald Trump

Perhaps one of the most famous comedy groups is the British troupe, Monty Python. The hilarious group, which was formed in 1969, consisted of Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, John Cleese, and Eric Idle. Many Disney fans will most likely know Eric Idle as Dr. Nigel Channing, Chairman of the Imagination Institute at EPCOT. Together with his pal Figment, they take guests on a journey into the imagination.

Credit: Disney

Related: Disney World Teases Major New Figment Ride

However, Idle is not the only member of Monty Python who has worked closely with The Walt Disney Company. Over the years, John Cleese has had a close relationship with the House of Mouse, and has appeared in a number of Disney projects. He voiced Ape in the George of the Jungle films, narrated the 2011 Winnie the Pooh film, and played a sergeant in Around the World in 80 Days (2004).

Credit: Disney

However, it is not his work with Disney that is getting people’s attention.

On December 26, Cleese tweeted a list of why Adolf Hitler was “preferable” to Donald Trump.

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 genocide
2. He has nicer hair
3.
4.
5.

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

Of course, Cleese does not support the policies of Adolf Hitler, but many were turned off by his tweet, including @Darkrumwithcoke, who said they were “disappointed” by the joke.

John, I love you and your volumes of work, but disappointed in this tweet. It’s low hanging fruit and something a 15 yr old keyboard warrior would write not one of the greatest comedic minds of the past 100 years.

But there were many who jumped to Cleese’s defense, reminding people that he was a British comedian who specialized in dry humor.

Reading the comments, I’ve found not many people can read jokes well. You’re a legend, Mr. Cleese!

Credit: Python Pictures

However, it appears that Cleese did recognize that his tweet may have been in poor taste. That same day, he issued an apology.

I would like to apologise for my last tweet

It was a very bad joke, especially on Boxing Day

I would like to apologise for my last tweet

It was a very bad joke, especially on Boxing Day

— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) December 27, 2023

Cleese’s tweet comes as Trump deals with backlash after using phrases that were also used by Hitler. Trump said that immigrants were “poisoning the blood of our country,” and called his political rivals “vermin”. The former president has said that he had no idea Hitler also said those things, but his ex-wife has said in the past that he used to sleep with a book of Hitler quotes next to his bed.

Did you think John Cleese’s tweet was inappropriate? Let us know in the comments!