Bryan Cranston criticises ‘cancel culture’: ‘I think our societies have become less tolerant, less forgiving’

'There's less forgiveness in our world,' said the Breaking Bad star

Actor Bryan Cranston has criticised the idea of “cancel culture” in a new interview.

The contentious term refers to the practise of public shaming and condemnation when a public figure does or says something that is considered offensive.

In a video interview shared by the Associated Press, the Breaking Bad star said: “We live in this cancel culture of people erring and doing wrong – either on purpose or by accident – and there's less forgiveness in our world.

“I think we're unfortunately in a coarser environment. I think our societies have become harder and less understanding, less tolerant, less forgiving.”

Cranston claimed he has been asking himself about the place of “forgiveness” in contemporary society.

“I think we need to take a second look at that and exhale and realise that asking forgiveness and receiving forgiveness are not weaknesses, but are human strengths,” Cranston said.

He also suggested that public figures have been “ostracised for the rest of their lives” as a result of being publicly condemned.

The notion of “cancel culture” has been subject to much public debate. 

Its defenders often argue that the term, usually used with negative connotations, is conflated with the notion of accountability, and that “cancel culture” is nothing more than people being held accountable for their words and actions.