Famed British comedian David Walliams has slammed 'cancel culture'. Speaking ahead of a series of live shows in Australia next month, the 53-year-old author and co-creator of the cheeky satirical TV series Little Britain said that comedy needs to have an 'edge' for it to be 'explosively' funny.
'Things that are explosively funny are often on the edge, aren't they?' the funnyman continued.
'[The issue] is complicated, but you just look at each joke as it comes really.
'Obviously if you were worried about every single thing you said or did might offend someone, that you wouldn't be able to say or do anything on stage.
'I kind of think people haven't lost a sense of humour in the way that it's often portrayed.'
Elsewhere in the chat Walliams said that he thought the point of comedy was to 'make people happy'.
'Little Britain' and the 'Cancel Culture' Backlash
Walliams found himself on the rough end of 'cancel culture' when the show he co-created with Matt Lucas in 2003, Little Britain, was yanked from the air in 2022. The hit sketch show, which poked fun at British social stereotypes included segments that featured white actors in black face. In an apparent reaction to the Black Lives Matter protests, Netflix pulled the show along with Come Fly With Me, also created by Walliams and Lucas. Later the BBC and BritBox both confirmed they had also decided to remove Little Britain saying 'times have changed' since the show first aired. The shows include scenes where the comedians portray characters from different ethnic backgrounds with the use of make-up.
Walliams' Response to 'Cancel Culture'
Walliams' comments come at a time when 'cancel culture' is a hot topic of debate, particularly in the entertainment industry. Some argue that it is necessary to hold people accountable for their actions, while others say that it stifles free speech and creativity. Walliams, however, argues that 'cancel culture' is 'exhausting' and that it prevents comedians from pushing the boundaries of humor. He maintains that comedy needs to have an 'edge' to be truly funny.
The Evolution of Comedy in a Changing World
The debate about 'cancel culture' and its impact on comedy is likely to continue. As society evolves and our understanding of what is considered acceptable changes, so too will the boundaries of humor. It is important to have a nuanced discussion about these issues, rather than simply resorting to knee-jerk reactions. Walliams' comments highlight the complexities of this debate and the need for a more nuanced approach to navigating these sensitive issues in the world of comedy.
Beyond the Controversy: Walliams' Australian Tour
Despite the controversy surrounding 'Little Britain', Walliams is still a popular figure in the UK and internationally. He has a successful career as a comedian, author, and television personality. He is currently touring Australia with his show 'An Audience with David Walliams' and is sure to entertain audiences with his unique brand of humor. The UK comedian will debut his An Audience with David Walliams World Premire Tour in Sydney at the Darling Harbour Theatre on September 6. He is no stranger to Australian audiences. It comes after Walliams and Kate Ritchie revealed the truth about rumours of on-set flirting while they starred together on the 2022 season of Australia's Got Talent. The UK comedian and Australian radio star, 45, reunited on Nova 96.9's Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie in May to discuss the rumours, and Kate couldn't resist heaping praise on her co-star. 'When I sat next to David we bonded over so many things... we bonded about his wardrobe,' she gushed. 'Like, I mean, move over Chris Hemsworth wearing Tom Ford at the Met Gala, the other day.' 'I was hoping that the next time you're going to be in Australia we would be alongside each other on the desk sharing stories and talking fashion!' she added.
