Actress Yvette Nicole Brown has publicly addressed the upcoming release of a CNN documentary focusing on comedian Chevy Chase and his controversial time on the set of the sitcom 'Community'. Brown, who played Shirley Bennett on the show, shared a pointed statement on her Instagram, seemingly in response to the film titled 'I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not'. The documentary revisits alleged incidents of racist slurs and harassment involving Chase.
Brown's Firm Statement on Social Media
In her social media post, Yvette Nicole Brown made it clear she has not participated in the documentary and has not authorized anyone to speak on her behalf. "These are things I’ve never spoken of publicly and perhaps never will," Brown wrote. She emphasized that anyone speaking about her with perceived authority has not consulted her and does not truly know her or her relationships with former colleagues.
Brown concluded her statement with a direct message, writing, "I hate that this all had to be said. In East Cleveland speak: Keep my name out of your mouth." Notably, no other cast members from 'Community' participated in the documentary directed by Maria Zenovich.
Documentary Details On-Set Conflicts and Blackface Incident
The CNN film, set to premiere on January 1, details the events that led to Chevy Chase's firing from 'Community' in 2012, midway through its fourth season. It explores Chase's clashes with cast members, including Donald Glover, Alison Brie, Joel McHale, and series creator Dan Harmon.
A significant incident covered involves a scene where Chase's character performed in blackface during a puppet show. According to accounts in the documentary, this led Yvette Nicole Brown to walk off the set following an alleged racial slur. Director Jay Chandrasekhar, who appears in the film, recounted that Chase did not apologize to Brown despite returning to the set later.
Exploration of Chase's Struggles and Aftermath
The documentary also delves into Chevy Chase's general unpopularity on set and his struggles with alcohol. To minimize on-set conflicts, series creator Dan Harmon wrote Chase's character into a wheelchair. The film features archival footage and interviews with Chase himself, former co-stars, and industry colleagues like Lorne Michaels and Goldie Hawn.
Brown's preemptive statement highlights the lingering sensitivity around these past events and asserts her right to control her own narrative regarding her experiences during the filming of the popular comedy series.
