Eric Idle says: "Monty Python is dead"

Actor, comedian and writer Eric Idle announced on social media that "Monty Python" is dead, speaking about a long-standing feud with his former colleagues from the iconic comedy group.

Idle founded the legendary comedy troupe in 1969 along with Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Michael Palin.

They are known for the television sketch series "Monty Python's Flying Circus", cult films such as "Life of Brian" and "Monty Python and the Holy Grail", as well as numerous musical projects. They last performed together in 2014 at London's O2, as part of the stage spectacle "Monty Python Live (Mostly)".

These performances were the Pythons' first live performance in 34 years, the second without Chapman, who died in 1989, and the last with Jones, who died in 2020.

Idle has now taken to the X platform to promote his new book, "Idle In Provence: A Brief History of Thyme," but he also shared an update on the status of Monty Python.

"Today is the day my book is released in the UK. I hope you like it and enjoy the book I've been working on for five years. That's what I'm working on right now," he said.

He then ended the message with the words: “Python is dead.”

Earlier, Idol responded to a fan who called for "one last big performance" with a short and direct: "No, thanks."

Idle also confirmed that there is still conflict between him and his former Monty Python colleagues, writing: "When you hear what caused all this, you may have more understanding for me."

As early as 2024, Idle claimed that, despite the huge success he achieved with "Monty Python," he was not "full of money" and that he still had to work to earn a living, even in his eighties.

"Python is a disaster. Spamalot (the musical) made money 20 years ago. I have to work for a living. It's not easy at this age," he wrote at the time.