Rowan Atkinson says ‘every joke has a victim’ while criticising cancel culture in comedy
IndependentNov 26, 2022
UK: Comedy Show Axed Over Gender Views
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The Facts
Following customer complaints, an arts venue in Edinburgh — which frequently hosts queer and drag events — has canceled a comedy show in which gender-critical screenwriter Graham Linehan was due to appear on Thursday.
The Leith Arches said on Tuesday that it was unaware the controversial Irish comedian was part of the event's lineup, adding that, as "an inclusive venue," Linehan's presence didn't align with its values.
The Spin
Left narrative
Linehan has long spread anti-trans hate and disinformation, comparing gender-affirming care for trans children to Nazi human experimentation and even stalking a trans woman. Though available for hire and private events, forcing the Leith Arches to accept a comedy show promoting values that starkly contrast with its inclusive nature would be unjustified.
Right narrative
It's ironic and outrageous that an allegedly inclusive venue has decided to drop a comedy show simply because its performers don't subscribe to an ideologically dominant viewpoint. This decision exposes the perverse character of cancel culture and the importance of events like Comedy Unleashed to fight the worrying wave of censorship in the comedy industry.
