Chevy Chase is taking heat for using the n-word on the set of NBC's Community October 19.
The actor, 69, used the racial slur while expressing his frustration about the bigoted dialogue of his character, Pierce Hawthorne. According to reports, Chase's outburst was not directed towards African American castmates Yvette Nicole Brown, 41, and Donald Glover, 29. The Hollywood Reporter says Chase "apologized immediately" to his Community colleagues.
According to TV Line, production was briefly halted before Chase apologized.
"I have the gift of walking away," Brown tweeted after the incident. "Always have."
In February, Chase spoke candidly about his displeasure with the critically praised but ratings-challenged NBC comedy; the interview was published in September on Huffington Post UK to promote the second season of Community's DVD release. "The hours in this kind of show are not commensurate with the actual product. The hours are hideous, and it's still a sitcom on television, which is probably the lowest form of television," the actor complained. "That's my feeling about it."
Chase added, "I think the reason I have stuck around is because I love these kids, the cast — they are very good. It's not like I am working with the great innovators of all time, but at the same time, they are my friends."
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The Saturday Night Live legend also regrets agreeing to appear on TV after enjoying a successful film career. "It was a big mistake! I saw this pilot script, thought that it was funny, and I went into the room where they were casting and said, 'I would love to play this guy,'" he told the site. "Then they mulled it over. Then they hired me and I just sort of hung around because I have three daughters and a wife, and I figured out I might as well make some bread, every week, so I can take care of them in the way they want."
Community, which also stars Joel McHale and Alison Brie, was originally slated to return October 19. NBC has rescheduled its premiere for an undetermined date.
