A bitter dispute within Monty Python has taken a harsh turn, with John Cleese publicly denouncing Eric Idle for allegedly harassing the comedy group’s manager over multiple years.

The 85-year-old comedian took to the social media platform X to condemn what he described as the sustained mistreatment of Holly Gilliam by his former colleague.

“He has bullied her for several years,” Mr Cleese declared, adding that he, Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam consider Mr Idle’s behaviour “shameful”.

The accusation represents a significant escalation in tensions between the comedy legends, who have been at odds since disagreements emerged about the group’s financial management following their 2014 reunion performances.

Mr Cleese indicated he would substantiate his claims, stating: “For those in doubt about what I say, please wait till you see the emails.”

The conflict stems from decisions made after the Monty Python members’ final collaborative performances 11 years ago, when Ms Gilliam assumed managerial duties for the group.

Mr Idle, now 82, has voiced strong objections to her appointment, arguing that revenue from their collective work has declined dramatically under her stewardship.

“We own everything we ever made in Python, and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously,” Mr Idle stated last year.

He attributed these financial difficulties directly to the management change, suggesting that having Terry Gilliam’s daughter in charge was problematic.

The comedian has indicated that diminished earnings have compelled him to continue performing professionally into his eighties, with a British tour commencing this week.

Mr Cleese’s statement defended Ms Gilliam’s performance, emphasising that three of the surviving Python members stand united in their thoughts on her work.

“I want to make it clear that Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam and I are totally satisfied with Holly’s work,” he posted on X.

The comedian previously characterised the 44-year-old manager as “very efficient, clear-minded, hard-working, and pleasant to have dealings with”.

His latest intervention followed what he described as renewed attacks by his co-star against Ms Gilliam, prompting his public response.

The actor has also indicated that communication between Mr Idle and the other comedy troupe members has broken down entirely, with the performer now “only communicates with us through his lawyer”.

In recent remarks, Mr Idle characterised Mr Cleese as “bonkers” whilst maintaining that their disagreement centres on financial matters rather than creative differences.

“We don’t disagree about comedy; this is only about money. This is only about business,” he explained.

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He acknowledged that differing approaches to financial management can create conflict, noting that when multiple parties hold contrasting views on business matters, “those can lead to very bad arguments”.

Mr Idle has denied Mr Cleese’s version of events regarding the management issues, claiming his former colleague dismissed their previous manager, Jim Beach, before installing Ms Gilliam.

Mr Cleese rejected this account last September, calling it “an invention”.