Chevy Chase Had a ‘Full Meltdown’ on the Set of ‘Community’
More details have emerged about the incident that ultimately led to Chevy Chase’s departure Communityfollowing the re-emergence of an existing controversy over the use of racial slurs, RadarOnline.com can report.
The bill is detailed I’m Chevy Chase and you’re nota new authorized documentary premiering January 1, in which director Jay Chandrasekhar recalls witnessing the 2012 incident firsthand.
Chandrasekhar, who directed several episodes of the NBC comedy, said he “was there to direct, the night Chevy Chase was fired. Community.”
According to Chandrasekhar, the situation stemmed from a storyline involving a controversial “blackface” glove puppet bit written for Chase’s character, Pierce Hawthorne. During rehearsals, Chase allegedly “said something” to Yvette Nicole Brown, although Chandrasekhar said he did not hear the exact comment at the time.
At that time, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Chase was frustrated with his character’s creative direction and used the N-word “in questioning the dialogue”. The outlet also made it clear that although Donald Glover and Brown, both black, were present, “the slur was not directed at them.”
Chandrasekhar recalled that Brown left the set after the exchange, prompting production issues. ‘I know there was a history there [Chevy and Yvette] around the race, and she got up and stormed out of there,” he said. When Chase returned, Chandrasekhar said the actor insisted he “didn’t say anything.”
“He says, ‘You know, Richard Pryor and I used to call Richard Pryor the N-word, and he called me The Honky, and we loved each other,’” Chandrasekhar said. When asked to apologize, Chase reportedly responded, “‘What for?’
After that day’s taping, a report about a “racial incident” was reportedly leaked to The Hollywood Reporter. When the cast reunited, Chandrasekhar said Chase arrived visibly angry. He described the moment as a “complete meltdown,” recalling Chase storming onto the set and shouting, “Who seduced me?” … ‘My career is ruined! I’m ruined!’ … ‘F— y’all!'”
Chase never returned to the series after that day. Production was halted and he later apologized. He has officially left Community after season four, amid a highly publicized feud with creator Dan Harmon, although he briefly returned for one episode in 2014.
