Chevy Chase Calls “Community” Exit a Misunderstanding, Critiques Show’s Quality

Chevy Chase recently opened up about his controversial departure from the NBC sitcom “Community” in an interview coinciding with the release of the CNN documentary “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not.” The documentary discusses allegations surrounding his exit from the series, which aired from 2009 to 2014.

Background on “Community”

“Community” was a comedy series that ran for six seasons, featuring Chase in the role of Pierce Hawthorne, an elderly millionaire known for his difficult personality. The series gained a loyal fanbase but faced controversies, particularly during its production.

Claims of Misunderstanding and Controversy

In the documentary, it is claimed that Chase experienced a “full meltdown” on set after an incident involving the use of a racial slur, allegedly the N-word. This incident reportedly led to his firing during the fourth season.

• Chase’s Remarks: Chase expressed that he did not view “Community” as a quality show, stating, “I just didn’t think it was that good.” He described the experience as not bad but filled with misunderstandings.
• Director’s Account: Director Jay Chandrasekhar mentioned a specific event that precipitated Chase’s exit, highlighting a skit involving a “blackface” puppet intended for Chase’s character.

Details Surrounding the Incident

While working on set, Chase reportedly confronted costar Yvette Nicole Brown, leading to heightened tensions. An article from The Hollywood Reporter indicated that Chase expressed frustration over his character’s storyline and allegedly used a slur to criticize the dialogue, though he claimed to have done so to illuminate his character’s perspective.

Chase’s Reaction to Criticism

Following the fallout from this incident, Chase had a significant outburst, reportedly exclaiming that his career was ruined. He later clarified that his comments were misunderstood and emphasized that he is “not racist.”

Despite these challenges, Chase reflected positively on his departure from the show, saying, “I thought it ended great.” He attributed part of the misunderstandings to generational gaps in understanding his work.

Personal Insights

In the documentary, Chase also shared personal struggles, including childhood abuse and battles with substance abuse. He addressed the toll of negative publicity, noting, “I prefer to be liked, not disliked.”

Premiering on January 1, the documentary aims to shed light on both the trials and triumphs of Chase’s life and career, including his tenure on “Community.”

Conclusion

Chevy Chase’s departure from “Community” remains a notable topic in television history, marked by controversy and misunderstandings. The documentary “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not” seeks to provide deeper insights into these events and the man behind them.