Podcaster Kevin Brennan was criticized on social media after he posted a tweet downplaying the death of Friends star Matthew Perry on Saturday, aged 54, in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home was found.
The comedian and former “Saturday Night Live” writer, 63, tweeted a link to TMZ’s coverage of the actor’s death on Saturday with the caption, “DROWNED IN A HOT TUB.” HAHAHAHA.”
Brennan, who hosts a podcast called Misery Loves Company, responded to a tweet from TMZ’s coverage of his comments with the caption, “Ex-SNL writer and comedian Kevin Brennan mocks Matthew Perry’s death.”
Brennan responded Sunday night, “I wasn’t making fun of it.” I just thought it was funny. But I love it when junkies die.’
Brennan was angered by commentators who took offense to his social media comments about Perry’s death.
The Latest: Podcaster Kevin Brennan, 63, faced harsh criticism on social media after he posted a tweet downplaying the death of Friends star Matthew Perry at age 54 on Saturday, in which he was in a Hot tub was found in his Los Angeles home
The comedian and former “Saturday Night Live” writer, 63, tweeted a link to TMZ’s coverage of the actor’s death on Saturday with the caption “DROWNED IN A HOT TUB.” HAHAHAHA’
In response to a user who asked Brennan, “Why is it funny to drown in a hot tub?” He replied, “Because it’s not very deep.”
A user asked him: “Comedy is supposed to be funny.” Who told you you were a comedian? Self-proclaimed?’
Another said: “That’s nothing to laugh about!!!” You’re disgusting for thinking otherwise. You do realize that people can go into cardiac arrest and die in any environment, right?
“So you think heart attacks and death are funny? No wonder you’re a low-level comedian – you’re not funny.”
One user said: “No wonder I had no idea who you were until the comment was picked up. “At least people actually knew who he was.”
Another commented: “Imagine having to write something negative about someone important just to feel relevant.”
One user said that with these comments, Brennan was “just trying to get another 15 minutes of fame, which isn’t going to happen.”
Another said: “Jealous you won’t be mourned when your time comes, will you?” while another called Brennan “a really sad, sad person.”
One user said, “So you’re a terrible person.” Good to know there’s a reason you’re not writing for SNL anymore; your lousy comedy.’
Brennan reiterated his feelings in a tweet in response to coverage of his controversy
In response to a user who asked Brennan, “Why is it funny to drown in a hot tub?” he replied, “Because it’s not very deep.”
Brennan was angered by commentators who took offense to his social media comments about Perry’s death
One user wrote to Brennan, “Are you desperate to stay relevant?” No one knew who you were until the TMZ article. Millions knew and loved Matthew without hesitation.
“His past didn’t change that and made him stronger. “He died with more class and dignity than you could ever hope for.”
The “Friends” actor, who played Chandler Bing on the NBC hit, has struggled with substance abuse throughout his life and said he wanted to help others struggling with a similar situation.
Perry said during an appearance on the “Q” podcast with Tom Power at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema in Toronto in November 2022 that “the most important thing” he wants to be remembered for is “that he wants to help people” battling addiction battle.
“The best thing for me is when an alcoholic or drug addict comes up to me and says, ‘Will you help me?'” he said. “I can say yes and follow up and do it.”
“When I die, I don’t want friends to be the first thing mentioned. I want that to be the first thing mentioned, and I’ll spend the rest of my life proving that.”
Perry said that it was difficult for him to watch previous episodes of Friends because he could see his battle with addiction through his appearance on the show.
“I haven’t seen the show and haven’t seen it because I could go drink… opiates… drink… cocaine,” he said. “As if I could tell season after season based on how I looked.”
The “Friends” actor, who played Chandler Bing on the NBC hit, has struggled with substance abuse throughout his life and said he wanted to help others struggling with a similar situation. Pictured in LA last April
Perry appeared on the hit series “Friends” for ten seasons from 1994 to 2004
Perry called the show, which starred Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer, “an incredible ride.”
He added: “It was incredible to see how it touched the hearts of different generations. “It has become so important and significant and I would watch it again. “It was really fun and all the people were nice.”
Perry appeared on the hit series for ten seasons from 1994 to 2004. He also appeared in a number of films throughout his career, including 1997’s “Fools Rush In,” 2000’s “The Whole Nine Yards,” and 2009’s “17 Again.”
On Saturday, TMZ reported that first responders were called to Perry’s home to treat a cardiac arrest. According to sources, no foul play was suspected in the actor’s death.