Russell Kane reveals why comedians never really get cancelled: “Do the maths”

by

Russell Kane has opened up about why he thinks comedians can’t ever be properly ‘cancelled’.

As a movie aficionado, I’ve found myself drawn to the unapologetic wit of comedy legends like Ricky Gervais and Dave Chappelle, whose boundary-pushing stand-up acts have sparked controversy yet remain popular on streaming giants such as Netflix. These comedians, despite facing criticism from some quarters, continue to captivate audiences with their raw humor and fearless approach.

Kane informed TopMob: “Can you name a comedian who has been dropped from the scene, excluding those currently facing sexual assault charges? I’m afraid you can’t.

Wondering how much Ricky Gervais and Dave Chappelle make per show? Let me break it down. If each ticket costs around £50 and they perform at a venue that seats 16,000 people, you do the math!” He chuckles and says jokingly, “Boy, I sure hope I don’t get ‘cancelled’ over my success and controversial humor.

Kane expressed that he’s not concerned about being canceled since, in his words, “I’m a comedian, and I can simply explain, it was meant as a joke.

The topic of canceling individuals is something that matters deeply to Kane. As the host of his Radio 4 podcast titled ‘Evil Genius’, he facilitates a seemingly casual conversation about well-known cultural figures, examining whether their positive traits or good actions should overshadow any personal flaws, mistakes, or even serious wrongdoings they may have committed. Previous discussions on this topic have centered around figures such as Gandhi, Mary Whitehouse, Muhammad Ali, John Lennon, and John F Kennedy.

He informed TopMob: “Our society is one where boundaries blur and we feign enthusiasm for discourse. However, let me add that if you express an opinion deemed incorrect on television, you’ll face cancellation and potentially be barred from future employment.

The cunning mastermind finds this current intellectual climate ripe for satire. The black-and-white, oversimplified nature of today’s discussions often invites ridicule. It truly grates on me when individuals casually dismiss others by saying, ‘He’s been discredited. He’s to be discarded.’

I came up with a show designed intentionally to have a simplistic vote at its conclusion – as a satirical commentary on judging people as good or bad, and to encourage complex discussions instead.

In Sheffield’s Crossed Wires Podcast Festival, Kane was the host for a live broadcast of his show, with the focus that day being on Peter Stringfellow.

Kane pondered over the late nightclub businessman, wealthy from his chain of entertainment spots teeming with scantily dressed young women: “I wonder when claiming personal autonomy under the banner of feminism transforms into exploitation, I’d like to investigate.

In that realm, Stringfellow resides. His stance was that individuals should have the liberty to make decisions regarding their bodies, a notion women have fought hard to achieve. So, it seems contradictory when people express concern over such choices, doesn’t it?

Read More

2025-07-07 19:34