John Cleese has been called out for suggesting the number of immigrants in London means it “is not really an English city anymore”.
The Monty Python star said in a tweet that his observation about the capital had been confirmed by “virtually all my friends from abroad”.
He added: “So there must be some truth in it.”
Cleese then went on to note that “London was the UK city that voted most strongly to remain in the EU”.
It’s not the first time the actor, who moved overseas last year, has made this point. In 2011 he told an Australian TV show: “I’m not sure what’s going on in Britain. Or, let me say this – I don’t know what’s going on in London, because London is no longer an English city.
“That’s how we got the Olympics. They said we were the most cosmopolitan city on Earth. But it doesn’t feel English.
“I had a Californian friend come over two months ago, walk down the King’s Road and say, ‘Where are all the English people?’”
Cleese, a vocal supporter of Brexit, announced last year that he was quitting Britain because he is “so disappointed” with the country, saying his “particular beef” is with the British newspapers.
He revealed he was heading to the “gorgeous” island of Nevis in the Caribbean, an irony pointed out by many on social media.
Author Caitlin Moran, wrote: “I hope there’s an old Nevisian comedian ready to moan about how Charlestown won’t ‘really be a Nevisian town any more’.
“Goddamn immigrants.”
Writer James Felton, said: “Hi I’m John Cleese. Today I’ll be complaining there are too many immigrants in London from my home where I live in the Caribbean.”
And Scottish comedian Limmy, simply stated: “John Cleese is cancelled.”
In a string of tweets posted later on Wednesday, Cleese sought to counter claims made by critics.
He denied his comments about London being “not an English city” had a racial element.
Cleese replied to one Twitter user who asked if his claims were about race: “No. Why do you try to discredit me for criticising things I have not said Keep your projections to yourself.”
He added to another: “If you would like to ask the many foreign friends who have made this observation me, I can put you in touch with them.”
Cleese is no stranger to strong opinions, having described Trump supporters in 2017 the “stupidest people” he has ever met.
And last year he was branded “embarrassingly ghastly” after using a homophobic slur during an interview on Radio 4.
The actor appeared on the Today programme on Tuesday when he used the antiquated term “poof” to describe his former Monty Python co-star Graham Chapham.
Cleese has been contacted for comment.