Terry Sweeney, the first openly gay cast member on Saturday Night Live (SNL) during the 1985-86 season, has spoken out about a long-standing controversy involving comedian Chevy Chase. The issue stems from a joke Chase proposed in 1985 that targeted Sweeney during a time when the AIDS epidemic was devastating the gay community. Sweeney’s comments are featured in the new CNN documentary, I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not, which premieres on January 1, 2026.
Terry Sweeney Responds to Chevy Chase Controversy
In the documentary, director Marina Zenovich reminds Chase of the joke, which suggested asking Sweeney about AIDS and weighing him each week. SNL creator Lorne Michaels explained that Chase often made jokes without thinking about the consequences, assuming everyone involved was “comedy people.” However, the joke deeply hurt Sweeney, who was already the only openly gay cast member on national television at the time.
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Chase responded to the documentary by saying that Sweeney was not alive anymore, which is untrue. Sweeney, who is 75 years old and very much alive, responded sharply, calling Chase’s comment misleading and insulting. She expressed that the remarks in the film show Chase in a negative light, saying his behavior was “rotten.” The documentary also revisits other aspects of Chase’s life, including his abusive upbringing, but Sweeney was unsympathetic, dismissing it as no excuse for his actions.
The controversy has also involved other former colleagues, such as Yvette Nicole Brown, who criticized the documentary and distanced herself from revisiting Chase’s past incidents. Sweeney shared that Chase had once apologized to him for the joke, but he was angry about having to apologize. The incident highlights the challenges Sweeney faced as a pioneering openly gay comedian in a time when LGBTQ+ issues were rarely discussed in mainstream media.
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The documentary brings to light important conversations about comedy, accountability, and representation. Sweeney’s perspective shows how jokes, even when intended as humor, can have lasting emotional effects. The story also reminds audiences of the progress made in accepting LGBTQ+ entertainers while showing that past injustices still need recognition. Fans and viewers are likely to see this documentary as a significant look at the complexities behind SNL and its famous alumni.
Author: Purnima s
Purnima | Entertainment Blogger 4+ yrs writing fun blogs on movies, celebs & trends. Pop culture addict serving fresh, binge-worthy content!
