John Cleese has launched a scathing attack on the BBC, the government, and British newspapers during a stage appearance for the campaign group Hacked Off. The Fawlty Towers star delivered a 45-minute lecture titled 'Why There Is No Hope' at London's Royal Geographic Society, accusing the BBC of being 'absolutely fucking clueless' and claiming the corporation has 'no idea what it's doing now'.
Cleese criticised BBC head of comedy Shane Allen, whom he referred to as 'Shane Someone', for suggesting that Monty Python would not be commissioned today due to a lack of diversity. The comedian also announced plans to leave Britain 'for some time' in November, partly because he 'so hates this government', but mainly because of the BBC.
The event, organised by Hacked Off, aimed to raise funds for a judicial review of the government's decision to abandon the second phase of the Leveson inquiry. Cleese reserved particular ire for British journalists, claiming they are intent on negativity and personal intrusion, unlike their American and Australian counterparts.
During the second half of the evening, Cleese interviewed former tabloid reporter Graham Johnson and ex-broadsheet 'blagger' John Ford, who shared stories about obtaining confidential documents. The performance drew 250 attendees, with Cleese also taking audience questions, mostly related to Monty Python.
