Yvette Nicole Brown has come forward with a statement amid the impending release of CNN’s documentary, “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not,” which revisits past controversies on the set of NBC’s “Community.” The documentary discusses allegations of racism and harassment that emerged during the show’s production.
Brown, who portrayed Shirley Bennett, shared her thoughts on social media, alluding to the documentary without directly naming it. She expressed frustration regarding public discussions about her experiences, stating that those speaking on her behalf do not truly understand her or her relationships with her colleagues. “They actually don’t really know me — at all,” Brown remarked. She emphasized her desire for her name to be kept out of such conversations.
Remarkably, members of the “Community” cast opted not to participate in the documentary, directed by Maria Zenovich. The film focuses on the events leading to Chase’s dismissal from the show in 2012 during its fourth season. It portrays Chase’s feeling of isolation from the cast, which included notable figures like Donald Glover, Alison Brie, and Joel McHale, and details his contentious relationship with series creator Dan Harmon.
The documentary highlights a pivotal incident involving Chase’s character, Pierce Hawthorne, performing a puppet show in blackface, which led to an altercation between Brown and Chase. It is reported that an argument escalated to Chase using a racial slur, prompting Brown to leave the set. Director Jay Chandrasekhar witnessed the fallout and noted the tensions that existed between Brown and Chase regarding race.
Chandrasekhar recalled that when the producer sought to bring Brown back to shoot a scene, Chase had yet to apologize, instead referencing a past friendship with the late comedian Richard Pryor in a questionable manner. This exchange reportedly led to Chase becoming irate after a Hollywood Reporter article highlighted the incident, claiming it contributed to his career downfall and eventual exit from “Community.”
Brown’s previous comments echo a broader concern about the media portrayal of individuals involved in complex situations. The documentary is set to premiere on January 1 and promises archival footage alongside interviews with various co-stars and colleagues, including Lorne Michaels and Goldie Hawn. Despite the turmoil associated with Chase’s time on “Community,” the film aims to explore both his rise to fame and his challenging reputation as a collaborator.
In a climate seeking to address and heal past grievances, Brown’s statement signifies a call for understanding and respect for personal narratives, underscoring the importance of recognizing the experiences of those directly affected by on-set dynamics.