Bill Burr says ‘cancel culture is over’ as Bill Maher advocates for Louis C.K.’s comeback

Comedian Bill Burr sparked debate with his recent comments on Bill Maher's “Club Random” podcast. 

Burr declared that “cancel culture is over,” suggesting the public has lost interest in holding celebrities accountable. Maher, however, disagreed, pointing to the ongoing controversy surrounding comedian Louis C.K.

C.K., accused of sexual misconduct in 2017, admitted to inappropriate behavior and faced significant backlash.

While he has continued touring and directing independently, major studios have distanced themselves from him.

Maher argued in favour of C.K.'s return, claiming that the comedian has been sufficiently punished. 

“I mean, don’t get me started on that. Isn’t it time everyone just went: ‘OK, It wasn’t a cool thing to do, but it’s been long enough and welcome back.’” 

He added, “Enough! I mean for Christ’s sake, it’s not the end of the world. People have done so much worse things and gotten less. There’s no rhyme or reason to the #MeToo-type punishments.”

Burr underscored his point about cancel culture, “It started off with something everyone could agree on, and then quickly it just spun out of control. 

“I remember whenever that cancel culture got to the point of where it was, ‘I don’t like some of the topics in your stand up act,’ right? That’s when it got weird. Cancel culture … it’s over. No one cares anymore.”

“That’s so not true,” Maher replied. “Either one of us could get canceled in the next two minutes.”

The conversation extended to filmmaker Woody Allen, who faces his own allegations of sexual abuse. Maher, citing inconclusive investigations, defended Allen and criticized actors who refuse to work with him.

Katie Couric, who interviewed Maher separately, countered his arguments, highlighting the “damning evidence” against Allen.