**Chevy Chase Controversy on “Community” Resurfaces in CNN Doc**
Key Takeaways:
- Actor Chevy Chase had a “full meltdown” after a racial slur incident was leaked in 2012.
- The moment is detailed in CNN’s new authorized documentary “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not.”
- Witnesses recall tensions with castmates that contributed to Chevy Chase’s exit from Community.
Los Angeles, CA — The term “community” is trending following revelations in a newly released CNN documentary detailing the explosive incident that led to actor Chevy Chase’s departure from NBC’s sitcom Community. According to the film, Chase reacted with a “full meltdown” in 2012 after reportedly using the N-word on set, prompting backlash from the cast and a leak to the press.
New Details Emerge From “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not”
Director Jay Chandrasekhar, who directed multiple episodes of Community and witnessed the incident firsthand, recounts the tension-filled night in CNN’s documentary I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not, which premiered on January 1. Chandrasekhar describes a highly volatile environment after Chase used the racial slur while questioning his character’s dialogue. Though it was not directed at anyone specific, the slur occurred in the presence of co-stars Donald Glover and Yvette Nicole Brown, who are both Black.
Brown reportedly left the set immediately following the incident. Chandrasekhar recalls producers halting production until Chase made an apology, which he refused to do, citing past comedic exchanges with Richard Pryor as justification. After the event was leaked, Chase returned to set enraged, shouting, “Who f—– me over? My career is ruined!” before storming off and ultimately never returning to shoot another full episode.
Tensions Were Longstanding on Set
The documentary highlights the ongoing friction between Chase and creator Dan Harmon, as well as multiple cast members. Prior to the racial incident, reports had already surfaced about Chase’s problematic behavior both on and off set. The feud famously escalated during a season 3 wrap party where Harmon led the crowd in a “F— you, Chevy!” chant, which was witnessed by Chase’s daughter.
Though Chase returned for a cameo in 2014, his exit after Season 4 is widely viewed as a necessary outcome of both creative clashes and interpersonal discord. This new documentary offers first-hand perspectives and underlines how unresolved cultural and racial tensions contributed to his departure.
Impact on “Community” and Chevy Chase’s Legacy
Community continued for two more seasons after Chase’s exit and has since gained cult status—partly through streaming platforms and now a long-awaited movie in production. For many viewers, the show’s success has overshadowed earlier controversies, but the documentary reopens discussions about Hollywood’s handling of race, power dynamics, and accountability.
The backlash following the leak visibly affected Chase’s career. While still a cultural icon from his earlier work on Saturday Night Live and National Lampoon’s Vacation films, the actor has struggled to regain consistent roles since the incident. Public response to the documentary will likely shape discussions in the weeks ahead about celebrity rehabilitation and the limits of comedic legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is community trending?
A: A CNN documentary about Chevy Chase reveals new details about his controversial exit from the show Community following a racial slur incident in 2012.
Q: What happens next?
A: Public discourse has reignited around Chase’s departure and Hollywood’s treatment of racism; the full documentary is now streaming following its January 1 premiere.
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