
Cancellation and Media Coverage:
- Tony Hinchcliffe was cancelled after a joke he made during a routine Thursday workout set.
- The cancellation received extensive media coverage, with articles from various news outlets portraying Tony as a racist comedian.
- It was a coordinated attack, possibly involving the Chinese media, as they reported on a tweet that had not yet been posted.
Support from Comedians:
- Many comedians reached out to offer support and advice to Tony during this difficult time.
- There were different opinions on how to handle the situation, with some suggesting an apology and others advising against it.
- Ari Shaffir and Shane Gillis advised Tony not to apologize, which ultimately influenced his decision.
Releasing Full Sets:
- In response to the controversy, Tony released both his set and Pang Dang's set in their entirety on Ari Shaffir's YouTube channel.
- The full sets provided context and showed that Tony's jokes were part of his comedic style rather than racially motivated attacks.
- Pang Dang stopped all scheduled media appearances after the release of the full sets.
Impact on Career:
- Being dropped by WME talent agency added another layer of impact to the cancellation.
- Despite facing adversity, Tony remained determined and continued performing stand-up comedy.
Reflections on Cancellation Experience:
- The experience changed Tony's approach to comedy, making him more focused on getting laughs and proving himself.
- He expressed gratitude for the support he received from fellow comedians during this challenging time.
The Role of the Media:
- The media coverage of Tony's cancellation was driven by click-hunting and a lack of understanding of comedy.
- Articles portrayed Tony as a racist comedian without considering the context or his comedic style.
Importance of Context:
- Releasing the full sets provided important context for understanding the nature of Tony's jokes.
- It highlighted that his jokes were not racially motivated attacks, but rather part of his comedic repertoire.
Challenges Faced:
- Being dropped by WME talent agency had significant repercussions for Tony's career.
- The cancellation experience tested his resilience and determination to continue pursuing stand-up comedy.
Support from Peers:
- Fellow comedians played a crucial role in providing support and advice during this challenging time.
- Their diverse opinions on how to handle the situation offered different perspectives for consideration.
Personal Growth:
- The cancellation experience prompted Tony to reflect on his comedic approach and prioritize delivering laughs.
- He emerged from the ordeal with a renewed focus and appreciation for his craft.
Cancel culture and media manipulation:
- Articles about the speaker being a frequent guest on Joe Rogan's podcast were used as clickbait by the media.
- Speculation that this was done during chaotic times, tapping into a new market after the rise of Asian hate and in the aftermath of George Floyd's death.
- Criticism of media outlets for downplaying stand-up comedy and attempting to control people's opinions.
- Media outlets trying to sneak their own opinion or take on things, even though they are not supposed to.
- Wrongful cancellation can make someone stronger, as seen with other comedians like Ari Shaffir, Shane Gillis, and Joe Rogan.
Personal growth and career success:
- Being canceled changed the speaker personally and professionally.
- Increased determination and focus on their craft led to higher viewership for their podcast Kill Tony.
- Stand-up career continued to thrive at a higher level than before.
- Despite being dropped by old agents during cancellation, now has support from an agent at the biggest comedy agency.
Character of others:
- Disappointment in those who abandoned or betrayed them during cancelation but are now trying to come back when they see their success.
- Finding it weak and disgusting for people to beg for forgiveness when someone is thriving after being canceled.
- Importance of remembering those who stood by you during tough times and never forgetting those who ran away.
Advice on dealing with cancel culture:
- Not apologizing if you haven't done anything wrong but instead getting support from friends and leaning into your work.
- Coming back stronger is how you beat cancel culture.