Terry Gilliam, comedian has been reportedly ‘cancelled” by The Old Vic for his controversial views on trans rights and #MeToo.
The 80-year-old Monty Python star was appointed to co-direct Stephen Sondheim’s musical Into The Woods next season.
The theatre announced the cancellation unexpectedly last week. New reports claim that his involvement caused unrest.
Staff members at the Old Vic were likely upset by Gilliam’s stance regarding issues such as Harvey Weinstein and transgender rights. One even resigned.
Terry Gilliam, comedian has been reportedly ‘cancelled” by The Old Vic for his controversial views on trans rights and #MeToo.
The 80-year-old Monty Python star was originally set to direct Stephen Sondheim’s musical Into The Woods next season, but The Old Vic abruptly cancelled it last week.
This announcement comes two weeks after Gilliam asked his 495,000 Facebook friends to watch comedian Dave Chappelle’s controversial new Netflix show.
He wrote, “I’m encouraging everyone to watch Dave Chappelle’s new show, The Closer,” “I consider him the greatest standup comedian alive today. He’s incredibly intelligent, socially conscious, provocative, and gut-wrenchingly hilarious.
Some critics branded Chappelle’s show transphobic and it prompted a walkout at Netflix.
Gilliam’s involvement was reportedly a source of concern in May. However, bosses continued with production.
No one from the central London theatre was available to comment last night, but The Old Vic has told The Stage in a statement executive director Kate Varah had met with staff following the show’s announcement in May.
The Old Vic did not have any comment to make last night. However, The Stage received a statement from The Old Vic stating that Kate Varah (pictured here with Matthew Warchus), had met with staff members following the May show’s announcement.
Members of the Old Vic 12 – an organisation’s artistic development program – were among those who voiced concerns. At least one person has resigned from the Stage.
According to reports, Gilliam and Leah Hausman, senior management met Gilliam later to discuss their culture and values.
The theatre stated on its website that it had’mutually accepted’ with Scenario Two co-producers ‘that the production Into the Woods would not be performed at the Old Vic.
The #MeToo movement was a major influence on the Old Vic. In 2017, numerous allegations of sexual assault against actor Kevin Spacey, the theatre’s artistic directors, were brought against him.
According to reports, Gilliam and Leah Hausman, senior management met Gilliam later to discuss their culture and values.
An investigation revealed that 19 people had filed allegations against the star for inappropriate behavior. He had been employed at the theatre between 2004-2015.
Gilliam replied to the BBC diversity debate in 2018 by saying, “I tell the world now that I am a black lesbian.”
He sparked a new backlash in January 2020 after describing the #MeToo Movement as a “witch hunt” that allowed ‘decent people to get hammered”.
The #MeToo movement had a serious impact on the Old Vic in 2017. During his tenure as artistic director, many allegations of sexual assault against Kevin Spacey (pictured), were made against him.
Addressing those who have made allegations against disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, he added: ‘These were ambitious adults … There are many victims in Harvey’s life, and I feel sympathy for them, but then, Hollywood is full of very ambitious people who are adults and they make choices.’
Into the Woods debuted on Broadway in 1987 and made its West End debut in the Phoenix Theatre in 1990. It was revived by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, in 2010.
It was adapted to Disney’s big scream in 2015 by Meryl Streep (Meryl Streep), James Corden (James Corden) and Johnny Depp (James Corden).