Comedic legend and GB News host John Cleese faced backlash after comparing former U.S. President Donald Trump to Nazi German dictator Adolf Hitler in a tweet. The 83-year-old actor and comedian listed “Five ways that Hitler was preferable to Trump” and “Five ways Trump is preferable to Hitler,” citing controversial and provocative reasons.
The post received criticism from users who found the comparison inappropriate and offensive. Some expressed disappointment in Cleese’s choice of humor, while others questioned the wisdom of making such comparisons.
Initially, Cleese appeared to backtrack, offering an apology for what he called a “very bad joke,” especially considering the timing on Boxing Day. However, he later doubled down, re-sharing critical comments and defending his stance. Cleese lamented the lack of understanding from the “simple-minded,” emphasizing that his tweet was intended as a joke. He also suggested that those who couldn’t grasp the context should unfollow him.
This is not the first time Cleese has faced controversy over references to Hitler. In 2021, he withdrew from a speaking event at the Cambridge Union after the debating society banned art critic Andrew Graham-Dixon for impersonating Hitler. Cleese, known for his role in Monty Python and Fawlty Towers, criticized what he perceived as “woke rules” and announced his self-blacklisting in protest.
I would like to apologise for my last tweet
It was a very bad joke, especially on Boxing Day
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) December 27, 2023
Five ways that Hitler was preferable to Trump
1. He fought for his country
2. He never used a teleprompter
3. He was nice to dogs
4. He wrote his own books
5. He never played golf
6. He wasn't a big fat slobFive ways Trump is preferable to Hitler
1. He doesn't practice…
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) December 27, 2023
