On March 31, Community fans experienced a communal panic attack when a story hit about series creator Dan Harmon’s and star Chevy Chase’s allegedly explosive feud. After an array of contentious behavior by both parties, Harmon is finally taking steps to mend this trauma — and to help his beloved series’ fans rest a bit more easily: the creator/show runner has published an apology on his Tumblr.
The fight began after Chase walked off set during taping of an episode; Harmon responded by insulting Chase in front of the cast and crew and Chase’s wife and daughter, which provoked an angry voicemail by Chase — which Harmon publicized at a comedy show at Meltdown Comics in Hollywood. The recording eventually reached the Internet, inspiring some interviews with Chase that suggested he might not return to Community if it gets a fourth season. Thus: widespread paranoia and depression on behalf of the Community-addicted populace.
But this is the first piece of promising news in the development. Last night, April 3, Harmon took to his Tumblr to an apology and explanation for his behaviors:
“The people that I really want to apologize to are the fans of the show. If you want to know what’s on my mind that I consider worth the attention of five million people, that’s the place to look, Thursdays at 8 on TV. Those are the stories and the jokes and observations about life and personal confessions that I intend for that large a venue.”
There is also a monthly show I do in the back of a comic book store in Los Angeles in which I say things that I intend for 150 people to hear … It was in that venue, months ago, that I made the horrible, childish, self-obsessed, unaware, naive and unprofessional decision to play someone’s voicemail to me … I was thinking about myself and I was thinking about making people laugh. I was airing my dirty laundry for a chuckle … That was a dumb, unclassy, inconsiderate move on my part. I’m very sorry it’s reflecting poorly on the show.”
You can read the complete statement on Harmon’s Tumblr. Considering the fact that Harmon’s apologies are not specifically directed at Chase, fans might wonder if the actor will consider this enough of an effort to make amends with his show runner. Either way, it’s a step in the right direction — hopefully, both (historically difficult) men will be able to settle their differences and continue making television’s best sitcom for, as Harmon pledges, “six seasons and a movie.”
Community airs Thursday nights at 8 PM ET/PT on NBC.
More:
Community Feud: Is Chevy Chase Leaving the Show?
Chevy Chase vs. Community and TV’s Other Epic Feuds
Community Recap: Troy and Abed Go to War
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