{"id":379069,"date":"2026-01-19T21:21:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T21:21:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/379069\/"},"modified":"2026-01-19T21:21:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T21:21:09","slug":"graham-linehan-wades-into-deborah-meaden-cancel-culture-u-turn-after-own-cancellation-good-for-her","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/379069\/","title":{"rendered":"Graham Linehan wades into Deborah Meaden ‘cancel culture’ U-turn after own cancellation: ‘Good for her!’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Graham Linehan has weighed in on Deborah Meaden\u2019s recent \u201ccancel culture\u201d U-turn, after the Dragons\u2019 Den star publicly conceded she had been \u201ctunnel-visioned\u201d when questioning whether people in the UK had really lost jobs or livelihoods for expressing lawful views.<\/p>\n

The intervention from Mr Linehan came after GB News reported on Ms Meaden\u2019s shift in stance, following a torrent of personal testimonies shared with her on X by those who say they have been cancelled, sidelined or professionally ruined for speaking out.<\/p>\n

Responding to a GB News\u2019 post on X which read: \u201cDeborah Meaden admits \u2018I was tunnel-visioned\u2019 over cancel culture denial row as BBC Dragons\u2019 Den star makes free speech U-turn\u201d, the Father Ted co-creator offered brief praise, writing: \u201cGood for her to admit it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The comment carried particular weight given Mr Linehan\u2019s own high-profile fall from mainstream television and theatre, after he spoke publicly about transgender ideology and women\u2019s rights, a stance that he and his supporters argue led to his professional ostracism and a loss of work.<\/p>\n

\"BBC<\/p>\n

Deborah Meaden publicly changed her mind on cancel culture<\/p>\n

| BBC<\/p>\n

Mr Linehan later expanded on his thoughts by replying to a longer post from writer Janet Murray, who had commended Ms Meaden for listening and urged her to use her influence to support those harmed by cancel culture, particularly the self-employed.<\/p>\n

Ms Murray wrote that while employees may at least have access to HR processes or employment tribunals, freelancers and independents often see their income disappear overnight, with little recourse when reputations are damaged.<\/p>\n

\u201cFree speech is not the freedom to destroy someone\u2019s reputation through misrepresentation and untruths,\u201d Ms Murray argued, adding that libel law remains \u201ca rich person\u2019s game\u201d beyond the reach of many who are targeted.<\/p>\n

In response, Mr Linehan posed a sharper question about media responsibility, asking: \u201cBut another question is why did Deborah Meaden not know any of these stories? Why has UK media not been properly informing her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Graham<\/p>\n

Graham Linehan praised Ms Meaden on X<\/p>\n

| GB NEWS<\/p>\n

The remark prompted further debate online, with some users agreeing that stories of cancellation and professional exile are underreported, while others defended Ms Meaden personally.<\/p>\n

Several replies beneath Mr Linehan\u2019s post struck a conciliatory tone. One user wrote: \u201cI\u2019ve met Deborah, shared a slice of cake and a cuppa with her, and talked about nature and birds\u2026 she\u2019s a lovely woman and very fair, it\u2019s no surprise to me for her to admit she was mistaken.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another added: \u201cShe\u2019s handled it quite elegantly, I thought. Remarkable!\u201d Others echoed similar sentiments, including: \u201cYes, at least she\u2019s honourable enough to admit it.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, others questioned why Ms Meaden appeared to hold sceptical views on cancel culture in the first place.<\/p>\n

But another question is why did Deborah Meaden not know any of these stories? Why has UK media not been properly informing her? https:\/\/t.co\/090vawDJec<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Graham Linehan (@Glinner) January 19, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

\u201cIt is unbelievable how apparently intelligent people recite the propaganda,\u201d one X user wrote, while another claimed: \u201cShe knew \u2014 she just chose to ignore it. It doesn\u2019t fit the narrative.\u201d<\/p>\n

A third commenter drew comparisons with politicians, writing: \u201cSimilarly, the shadow energy secretary didn\u2019t know anything about the green scam, grid balancing or expensive wind contractors. Once they were out of power, they had time to look at the whole picture rather than just taking soundbites from spin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another user accused sections of the media of enforcing ideological conformity, saying: \u201cThe media has been told to follow a narrative. Transgender equals good, any opposition equals bad. The fact they openly follow this and censor stories that don\u2019t fit is an indictment of their honesty and transparency.\u201d<\/p>\n

A further post suggested large swathes of information never reach the public, adding: \u201c90 per cent of what happens in the world never gets a mention in the media. In the case of the Guardian and the BBC, it\u2019s more like 99 per cent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ms Meaden\u2019s comments came after she initially challenged GB News regular Adam Brooks to provide examples of people being \u201ccancelled, sacked or arrested\u201d for their views, a question that triggered hundreds of replies detailing lost jobs, cancelled contracts and reputational damage.<\/p>\n

After reviewing the responses, the 66-year-old businesswoman acknowledged she had framed her question poorly and had focused too narrowly on concerns about hate speech being justified under the banner of free expression.<\/p>\n

\"Graham<\/p>\n

Graham Linehan has previously spoken out on his experience of being ‘cancelled’ for his views<\/p>\n

| PA<\/p>\n

\u201cI can see there are some horror stories,\u201d Ms Meaden wrote, adding that while she remains opposed to hate speech, the examples shared with her contained \u201csome very damning information\u201d.<\/p>\n

Her public reassessment was welcomed by several high-profile figures, including former Olympian Sharron Davies, who thanked Ms Meaden for listening and engaging with experiences outside her own.<\/p>\n