Filmmaker Seth Rogen addressed fellow comedians and called for a moratorium on complaining about "cancel culture."
On Tuesday, the Neighbors star and comedian appeared on Good Morning Britain and said he did not understand fellow comedians who complained about being ostracized for racism, sexism or other forms of bigotry in their material.
Seth Rogen on point as usual.— Ancient_Wood (@Ancient_Wood) 1621975971
The show's host, Susanna Reid, asked Rogen to discuss the jokes in his older films that made people feel "uncomfortable."
He responded by describing "the nature of comedy" and what that entails."
"I think there are certain jokes that for sure have not aged well. But I think that's the nature of comedy."
"I think conceptually those movies are sound and I think there's a reason they've lasted."
"Jokes are not things that necessarily are built to last."
FINALLY! A SMART PERSON IS ASKED ABOUT IT— Akilah Hughes (@Akilah Hughes) 1621987405
Rogen added:
"Getting criticism is one of the things that goes along with being an artist, and if you don't like that, then don't be a comedian anymore."
"To me, it's not worth complaining about to the degree I see other comedians complaining about."
Yeap. Rogen is a good dude, knows what he's talking about. He's made plenty of good films (Pineapple Express), bad films (The Interview), and films that don't age well (Knocked Up, ouch).— Jorge Rivera Mar\u00edn (@Jorge Rivera Mar\u00edn) 1621975968
I\u2019m not a Seth Rogan fan, but this article was perfectly fine, and everything he said in this article is reasonable. Relax, people.— Whitfield Thomas (@Whitfield Thomas) 1621999619
You can watch the interview here.
He continued:
"But in my Twitter I've never made a joke that's outwardly horrific in some way, and if you have, I would question why you did that."
"Saying terrible things is bad, so if you've said something terrible, then it's something you should confront in some way, shape or form. I don't think that's 'cancel culture,' that's you saying something terrible, if that's what you've done."
"If you've made a joke that's aged terribly, accept it. And if you don't think it's aged terribly, then say that."
I really admire comedians like Rogen who adapt and accept different perspectives. His comedy has become more genuine and human, very refreshing compared to many who believe the role of the comedian is only to be a provocateur. It's been great to see his talent and worldview grow.— Scott Ecker (@Scott Ecker) 1621982215
He\u2019s right. And let\u2019s actually listen to the sincerity of those who tell us they understand how hurtful or unacceptable that joke was and let them do better. We all make mistakes. We can all learn. It\u2019s called becoming a better person.— American (@American) 1621994133
I'm glad to hear a comedian say it. Nothing is more boring to me than a comedy show where a comedian whines onstage because the audience didnt like their joke. And it's always way better when they make a self-deprecating joke and move on.— Right Whale Robby (Taylor's Version) (@Right Whale Robby (Taylor's Version)) 1622016243
It is wise. I look at all the things that people said as a casual insult without thinking when I was a kid.\n\nUh, most of them would not fly well now.— ED Horn (@ED Horn) 1621983877
Rogen recently shocked fans with his "unrecognizable" look in his new Hulu series Pam & Tommy, inspired by Pamela Anderson's marriage to musician Tommy Lee.
In the forthcoming limited series, Rogen played a clean-shaven Rand Gauthier—the electrician who stole the couple's safe which happened to contain their sex tape that was eventually leaked to the world.
This month, the star also released his first book, titled Yearbook.
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