John Cleese has reignited tensions with his former Monty Python colleague Eric Idle by accusing him of “invention” regarding the comedy troupe’s management changes.
The spat began when Idle claimed Cleese had fired their manager, Jim Beach, and replaced him with Terry Gilliam’s daughter, Holly.
Cleese took to social media on Wednesday to refute these allegations and stated: “This is an invention. Jim, who was an old friend of mine from Cambridge days, became Python manager after the O2 show.
“About four years ago he suffered a bad stroke and subsequently resigned as our manager. His number 2, Holly Gilliam, automatically took over as Python manager.”
The clarification comes months after Idle’s initial comments in February, where he expressed dissatisfaction with the troupe’s management and financial situation.
Cleese has previously defended Gilliam’s role, describing her as “very efficient, clear-minded, hard-working, and pleasant to have dealings with.”
This is an invention
Jim, who was an old friend of mine from Cambridge days, became Python manager after the O2 show
About four years ago he suffered a bad stroke and subsequently resigned as our manager
His number 2, Holly Gilliam, automatically took over as Python manager https://t.co/SsucYmnXkQ
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) September 17, 2024
He also noted that fellow Python members Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam shared this positive opinion of Gilliam’s work.
The feud between Cleese and Idle has been simmering for some time. In February 2024, Idle tweeted that he hadn’t seen Cleese for “seven years” and that their distance had made him “happy”.
When asked about his relationship with Idle, Cleese quipped: “We always loathed and despised each other, but it’s only recently that the truth has begun to emerge.”
Idle has also criticised Python’s financial situation, stating: “I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded.
“Python is a disaster. Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.”
The ongoing tension within the Monty Python group was further highlighted in May when members of the comedy troupe reunited for dinner to celebrate Michael Palin’s 81st birthday. Notably, Eric Idle was not present at this gathering.
John Cleese shared a photo of the event on social media, showing himself smiling alongside Palin and Terry Gilliam.
The image depicted Palin holding a dessert plate with “Happy Birthday” written in chocolate sauce.
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Cleese humorously captioned the photo: “An 18 foot Python celebrates Pallin’s 181st Birthday and 195th Travel Book. Photo taken at cafe on peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.”
Idle’s daughter Lily has previously shown her support for her father’s criticism of the way in which Monty Python’s financial affairs have been handled. “I’m so proud of my dad for finally starting to share the truth.
“He has always stood up to bullies and narcissists and absolutely deserves reassurance and validation for doing so.”
