Controversial Backlash: Kevin Brennan Receives Backlash for Ridiculing Matthew Perry's Demise
Former 'Saturday Night Live' writer Kevin Brennan faces backlash from fans for making insensitive comments about Matthew Perry's passing
Kevin Brennan, Matthew Perry Getty Images(2)
Kevin Brennan, a former writer for Saturday Night Live, faced criticism for making offensive remarks about the death of Matthew Perry on several social media platforms. On Saturday, October 28, the 63-year-old Brennan shared a news article about Perry's passing and callously wrote, "DROWNED IN A HOT TUB. HAHAHAHA," via X (formerly known as Twitter).
"Why is it considered humorous when someone drowns in a hot tub?" one individual on social media inquired. Brennan, in response, quipped, "Well, the shallow depth of hot tubs may be a contributing factor." The passing of Perry, aged 54, was reported on Saturday, with law enforcement officials discovering him unresponsive in a hot tub at his residence, according to the Los Angeles Times. The L.A. coroner's office subsequently verified his demise on Sunday, October 29th.
Brennan, on the other hand, stood by his comments even after TMZ highlighted the controversy surrounding his original posts on social media.
"I wasn't ridiculing it," he stated via X on Sunday. "I simply found it amusing. However, I do enjoy it when addicts pass away."
Brennan served as a writer for SNL during season 25 from 1999 to 2000 and made a brief appearance on “Weekend Update.” Although he was considered for the role of “Weekend Update” anchor for the next season, Tina Fey and Jimmy Fallon ultimately secured the position. As a result, Brennan decided not to continue as a writer.
Following his time on SNL, Brennan pursued a career as a stand-up comedian and even released a special through HBO’s One Night Stand series in 2005. In January 2016, he launched the “Misery Loves Company” podcast, which has been running since.
Brennan remains unfazed by the attention drawn by his ongoing remarks about Perry's demise. In fact, he even made a light-hearted remark, asking, "Am I becoming popular on social media?" via X on Sunday.
A social media user responded with, "You simply lack any talent." Another chimed in, "It's truly despicable to gain relevance by belittling someone's passing and their battle with addiction. We, as a society, empathize deeply with them and feel quite sorry for you."
A third individual commented, "
That's precisely why you articulated those words - to gain popularity and remain significant. Although you may be trending, your significance is still lacking. Some people believe that receiving negative attention is preferable to receiving none at all. Before your remarks, nobody even recognized your existence. It is truly disgraceful that you had to resort to cruelty merely to draw attention to yourself."
Perry openly acknowledged his battle with substance abuse during his tenure as Chandler Bing on the popular TV show Friends from 1994 to 2004. In his memoir titled Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, published in November 2022, Perry expressed that his weight changes throughout the seasons served as a reflection of his addiction struggles. He revealed, "If you observe my weight fluctuations, you can trace the course of my addiction – alcohol when I gain weight and pills when I lose it. And when I sport a goatee, it indicates heavy pill usage."
He underwent rehabilitation two times while the show was on air, first in 1997 and then again in 2001. However, it was only during the ninth season of the sitcom, which he humorously called "the one where everyone was talking about Chandler," that he achieved complete sobriety.
If you or someone you know is facing substance abuse issues, reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
