With their brand of surrealism blended with, at times, biting satire, Monty Python are responsible for some of the most enduring comedy through their television shows, movies and on the stage. All is not well in the world of Monty Python this morning.
On Saturday, Eric Idle took to X to complain about money:
“We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously, but I guess if you put a Gilliam child in as your manager you should not be so surprised. One Gilliam is bad enough. Two can take out any company.”
This is referring to daughter of Python co-founder Terry Gilliam, Holly Gilliam who runs HDG Projects, which manages Python and helped stage Monty Python Live (mostly) – One Down Five to Go, the group’s 2014 reunion shows in London.
Firing back, fellow Python John Cleese has left people in no doubt where he stands on the matter:
“I have worked with Holly for the last ten years, and I find her very efficient, clear-minded, hard-working, and pleasant to have dealings with. Michael Palin has asked me to to make it clear that he shares this opinion. Terry Gilliam is also in agreement with this.”
So battle lines are drawn! When an X user asked if they remain close, Idle responded that he hadn’t seen Cleese in seven years. When the user said this makes him sad, Idle replied:
“Why? It makes me happy.”
Earlier this morning, Cleese issued a blunt response. So bl;unt that it has left obeservors wondering if this was all some kind of gag:
“We always loathed and despised each other, but it’s only recently that the truth has begun to emerge.”
Probably not, as Idle’s daughter Lily also chimed in:
“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.”
This whole thing started a few days ago when Idle was conversing with fans and highlighted that he still has to work for a living:
“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.”
Idle also took issue with Netflix after a follower suggested that the streaming giant should make a documentary about Python:
“Fuck Netflix and fuck documentaries.”
Sit back and get the popcorn. A bunch of old people who don’t give a shit are fighting!
Check back every day for movie news and reviews at the Last Movie Outpost
