Cancelling

Cancelling or cancel culture refers to the practice of withdrawing support from a person, organization, or work after perceived wrongdoing, typically via public criticism and social-media campaigns. It is not a formal legal process; outcomes are informal and vary, including reputational damage, loss of opportunities, or demanded apologies.

The term gained prominence in online communities during the 2010s, with high-profile cases involving celebrities, brands, and institutions. Practices include call-outs, boycotts, and demands for accountability. The reach of platforms such as Twitter and Instagram allows rapid dissemination of allegations, though responses extend to podcasts, media outlets, and employer policies.

Effects are debated. Proponents view cancelling as a mechanism for justice and marginalized voices to hold power to account. Critics fear disproportionate or irreversible consequences, mob dynamics, misattribution, or instrumentalization, and potential chilling effects on discourse. Some situations include opportunity for apology and rehabilitation, though outcomes are inconsistent.

Related concepts include call-out culture, boycotts, and reputational risk management. Legal considerations include defamation, privacy, and workplace policy; but cancelling remains largely a social phenomenon rather than a formal sanction. The term is contested, with some arguing it reflects accountability, others seeing it as punitive or performative.