John Cleese has explained why he think he's 'uncancellable'.
The Fawlty Towers star, 83, previously received backlash for defending Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling's comments about the trans community back in 2020.
"It isn't hate to speak the truth," she tweeted in June of that year.
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"The idea that women like me, who've been empathetic to trans people for decades, feeling kinship because they're vulnerable in the same way as women - ie, to male violence - 'hate' trans people because they think sex is real and has lived consequences - is a nonsense.
"I respect every trans person's right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them.
"I'd march with you if you were discriminated against on the basis of being trans.
"At the same time, my life has been shaped by being female. I do not believe it's hateful to say so."
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Cleese also tweeted: "I'm afraid I'm not that interested in trans folks I just hope they're happy and that people treat them kindly.
"Right now I'm more focussed on threats to democracy in America, the rampant corruption in the UK, the appalling British Press, the revelations about police brutality."
Later that year, the comedy actor spoke out against the idea of 'cancel culture' and said people misunderstand the line between comedy and seriousness.
Speaking to 60 Minutes Australia, Cleese said: "The PC people seem to think that if you make a joke, or tease someone, you are degrading or humiliating them, and this is a complete misunderstanding."
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He took particular issue with UKTV, which temporarily removed an episode of Fawlty Towers from its streaming options due to offensive racial references.
The episode, titled 'The Germans', is often remembered for the recurring line 'don't mention the war'.
However, one scene also involves protagonist Basil Fawlty having a discussion with hotel guest Major Gowen that results in racial slurs concerning West Indians.
Cleese believed the episode's temporarily removal highlighted an issue with cancel culture and political correctness.
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"They completely missed the point. It was a stupid decision in the first place. It was as though they thought that if you put certain words in people's mouths, that meant it had to be true," he said.
And more recently, the 83-year-old has outlined why he believes he will never be cancelled, personally.
Appearing on Ben Fordham Live, Cleese explained: "I don't get cancelled because I do stage shows… People think to themselves, 'I like him, so I'll buy a ticket.'
"The audience is basically pre-selected to like me, so when I come out they like me and they like the sort of humour I do."
Topics: Celebrity
Anish Vij