John Cleese says he isn’t racist but ‘believes some cultures are better than others’

| Live News reporter Published July 29, 2026 1:12pm Updated July 29, 2026 1:13pm Monty Python star John Cleese has said that he is ‘not racist’ but a ‘culturalist’ (Picture: Getty Images) John Cleese has insisted that he is ‘not a racist’ after voicing support for Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe. The Fawlty Towers and Monty Python star, 86, has become increasingly outspoken on social media in recent months, voicing concerns over immigration, free speech and cancel culture. Taking to social media yesterday, Cleese said that he believes ‘some cultures are better than others’. Responding to a post featuring the former Reform UK MP, Cleese recently said on X: ‘I trust this man more than any of the other leaders.’ He then added yesterday: ‘I see I am being ritually insulted for my support of this man. ‘The uneducated call me a racist. I am not a racist. I am a culturalist. I believe that some cultures are better than others. I see I am being ritually insulted for my support of this manThe uneducated call me a racistI am not a racistI am a culturalistI believe that some cultures are better than othersI prefer cultures to do not advocate stoning, pederasty,wife beating, female genital… https://t.co/dpzlIRrAoV— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) July 28, 2026 ‘I prefer cultures that do not advocate stoning, pederasty, wife beating, female genital mutilation, and beheading opponents. ‘Call me old-fashioned…’ Lowe then thanked Cleese publicly for his backing, saying that his support was ‘appreciated’. This comes after Cleese recently called London mayor Sadiq Khan a ‘silly little man’, before writing: ‘Sorry to have to say this… The British do not like the kind of diversity that intends to take over Britain and kill any infidel.’ In another post, he also wrote: ‘Traditional British values are under attack from Muslim belief systems.’ John Cleese previously stated that: ‘Traditional British values are under attack from Muslim belief systems’ (Picture: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for BFI) To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video After serving as a spokesman for the Liberal Democrats in the late 90s, Cleese sparked backlash in 2019 for claiming London was ‘not really an English city any more’. He also said that racial diversity had watered down the Englishness of the capital. In a separate interview, he elaborated by saying: ‘I don’t know what’s going on in London because London is no longer an English city… we’re the most cosmopolitan city on Earth but it doesn’t feel English.’ At the time, Cleese similarly insisted that he ‘wasn’t a racist’. Deals of the Day Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin