Kevin McHale has slammed TV fans for insensitive discussions about late actors, making an apparent reference to the so-called Glee ‘curse’.
The 38-year-old actor starred in all six seasons of the hit high school jukebox musical, which first aired in 2009 and ended in 2015. It made stars of much of its cast, including the likes of Lea Michele, Dianna Agron, Jane Lynch and Darren Criss.
Glee earned six Emmys and toted up an impressive roster of guest stars – Gwyneth Paltrow, Olivia Newton-John, Britney Spears, Whoopi Goldberg, Jeff Goldblum, Kate Hudson and Sarah Jessica Parker – many of whom performed one of the show’s many covers.
However, the Ryan Murphy-produced show’s legacy has been marred by the deaths of three of the core cast members, as well as of assistant director Jim Fuller.
Cory Monteith died of an accidental overdose in 2013, which was commemorated with a highly emotional Glee episode in which his character Finn died in similar circumstances.
Mark Salling died by suicide in 2018, after pleading guilty to possessing child abuse images.
Naya Rivera drowned in a California lake in 2020, while swimming with her son Josey.
McHale has now hit out at TV viewers who refer to late stars in ‘diabolical’ terms, in what appears to be an oblique reference to Glee, although he did not name the show.
Taking to X, McHale wrote: ‘Let me log off today because the way too many of you talk about real people who have passed as a “sacrifice” or a “curse” in regards to a TV show is f***ing diabolical and untethered from any sort of humanity or reality. Fet f***ed.’
The comments come after Glee producer Ryan Murphy said he is considering reviving the once-beloved high school show, amid renewed interest from Gen Z.
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The American Horror Story boss started by sharing his affection for the Glee cast, before telling People in a red carpet interview: ‘I had a great time making that show.
‘That show is interesting because it’s come back around. So many young people now watch it. And I’m like, “Maybe we should revisit that show”.
‘My nostalgia and love for that show is enough that I’m like, “Well, maybe people would like to see a new incarnation of that in some capacity.”
‘So yeah, I love that show and I loved what it became and what it meant to so many people.’
Glee is available to watch on Disney Plus.