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CNN Chevy Chase Documentary Draws Backlash Over On-Camera Insult to Director

Limited participation from former colleagues raises questions about how the film frames long-running allegations.

Overview

  • In an early scene, Chevy Chase tells director Marina Zenovich, “You’re not bright enough,” a clip that spread widely online and prompted sharp reactions.
  • The film premiered Jan. 1 and is available to stream for CNN subscribers via CNN.com and CNN’s apps.
  • The documentary revisits Chase’s 2012 Community controversy, recounting reports he uttered a racial slur while objecting to a blackface-puppet bit before exiting the show.
  • In interviews and in the film, Chase characterizes the Community incident as a misunderstanding and asserts, “I’m not racist.”
  • Director Marina Zenovich says many former cast and crew declined interviews, as on-camera voices describe Chase as both exceptionally funny and often unpleasant to work with.