Terry Sweeney Criticizes Chevy Chase Amid Controversy: ‘He’s Rotten’

Terry Sweeney, the first openly gay cast member of Saturday Night Live (SNL), has spoken out about his contentious relationship with comedian Chevy Chase. Their feud traces back to the mid-1980s when Chase suggested Sweeney participate in a sketch making light of the AIDS epidemic. This incident is highlighted in the upcoming documentary, *I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not*, directed by Marina Zenovich, which premieres on January 1.

Terry Sweeney’s Experience on SNL

Sweeney joined SNL during the 1985-86 season, a time when he was the only openly gay actor on network television. In light of the increasing impact of the AIDS crisis, the suggested sketch was particularly insensitive. The documentary revisits this dark chapter, revealing how Chase joked about Sweeney’s sexuality and health in a way that many found offensive.

The Controversial Sketch Proposal

In the film, Zenovich reminds Chase of the inappropriate joke he made about Sweeney. She quotes Chase’s suggestion to weigh Sweeney weekly under the guise of comedy. Lorne Michaels, the creator of SNL, reflects on Chase’s behavior, suggesting that he often assumed everyone shared his comedic sensibilities.

Response and Fallout

• Chevy Chase’s Insensitive Joke: Proposed a sketch about Sweeney’s HIV status.
• Sweeney’s Isolation: Faced unique challenges as the only openly gay cast member.
• Documentary Insight: Highlights the ongoing ramifications of Chase’s comments.

In response to Chase’s comments in the documentary, Sweeney, still very much alive, expressed his anger via instant messaging. He accused Chase of attempting to portray himself as a victim, thereby making himself look foolish in the process.

Broader Repercussions

Chase’s comments have drawn criticism from various quarters, including his former *Community* co-star Yvette Nicole Brown, who publicly distanced herself from the documentary. The buildup of these controversies has prompted a reevaluation of Chase’s legacy among his peers and the public alike.

Chase’s Memory vs. Sweeney’s Truth

Chase claims that Sweeney’s account of events is false. He denied the authenticity of Sweeney’s recollection and instead suggested that he had undergone significant personal development. However, Sweeney’s reaction was unyielding. He articulated that Chase’s attempt to rationalize his past behavior only reflects poorly on him.

The documentary doesn’t shy away from discussing Chase’s troubled upbringing, which some argue may explain his behavior. Sweeney, unimpressed, remarked on this narrative, pointing out that it does not excuse Chase’s actions.

This ongoing tension between Sweeney and Chase highlights the impact of humor in sensitive contexts, especially during a time when the stigmatization of illnesses like AIDS was rampant. As the documentary approaches its release, the conversation surrounding Chase’s legacy and the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals in comedy continues to be relevant.