“Monty Python” star John Cleese has renewed his defense of a months-long series of provocative posts about Islam after activists referred him to Britain’s counter-radicalization program.
“How exciting,” the 86-year-old comedian posted after learning that a member of the public had reported him to Prevent, a British government initiative that steps in when officials believe someone could be vulnerable to radicalization or involvement in terrorism.
The referral, submitted September 22 and first reported by Muslim-focused British outlet 5Pillars, accused Cleese of a “sustained pattern” of online comments that “demonizes, dehumanizes, and collectively attributes violence and criminality to Muslims and Islam.”
According to the complaint, Cleese’s posts matched “several indicators used in PREVENT risk assessments for anti-Muslim hate and counter-extremism concerns.” It also warned that the comedian’s language could fuel “radicalization, communal tension, and hate incidents.”
The complainant reportedly rated the potential risk as “moderate to high.”
Among the examples cited was a July 18 repost that labeled Islam “the religion of pedophiles,” 5Pillars reported.
The complaint also pointed to a March 31 post in which Cleese described “a culture whose holy book advocates the killing of all the people they disagree with.” An April post, meanwhile, called a religious practice “a barbaric custom” found across “about 60 Muslim countries.”
“These statements go beyond criticism of ideas and attach intrinsic criminality, violence, and moral depravity to a religious group,” the complainant alleged.
Cleese responded by treating the controversy as a joke, writing: “All good comedy material. For those with a sense of humor.”
The actor has denied that his remarks amount to anti-Muslim hatred, saying he considers himself “Islamosceptic.”
Cleese has maintained that Islam, like Christianity, should be open to satire and criticism. He has pointed to Monty Python’s 1979 religious comedy “Life of Brian” as an example of the troupe mocking Christian beliefs.
“Criticism of Islam is not racist, it’s culturalist,” Cleese wrote in February, citing female genital mutilation as an example.
A month later, he said that “traditional British values are under attack from Muslim belief systems.”
He subsequently wrote that the “Koran’s teaching is ALL about acquiring power, killing ‘infidels’ and imposing Islam on everyone.”
Being referred to Prevent does not mean Cleese has been arrested, charged or formally accused of terrorism.
Prevent functions in what the British government describes as the “non-criminal space.” Referrals are reviewed to determine whether an individual might require support or intervention.
Some cases are closed with no further action. Others may be directed to Channel, a voluntary program intended to assist people considered vulnerable to radicalization.
There is no public indication that Cleese has been placed in Channel or targeted in a criminal investigation. Even so, the unusual referral has placed one of Britain’s best-known comedians inside a government system designed to prevent radicalization.
