Mike King on cancel culture’s problem and whether Billy T James would fall victim to it

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Mental health advocate and former comedian Mike King says cancel culture reduces people’s ability to gain knowledge and think critically.

On the latest episode of Stuff’s Generally Famous podcast, King explained to host Simon Bridges why he’s apologetic about his comedy career and whether revered Māori comedian Billy T James’ style would be successful in the present day.

Towards the end of their hour-long discussion, Bridges asked King what defined Māori humour and entertainment.

“Self deprecation and real-life stories,” King says.

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“I used to sit there with Billy T back in the 70s. He’d be our headline act when I was an apprentice chef. I would cook him dinner.

“He would tell stories about [musician Prince] Tui Teka and all these wonderful stories which later came to be on his television show.”

King was adamant James, who was at the peak of his fame during the years of his self-titled TV show in the 1980s, would be just as successful in the current day.

“He was different. He didn’t swear… there was never any malice.

“No, there’s no way in heck he’d be cancelled.”

In his opinion, cancel culture was “designed by the 1% to shut down conversation and put up their view”.

King cited high-profile Canadian psychologist and media commentator Jordan Peterson as someone whose views he disagrees with, but who he listens to.

“I don’t agree with their points, but I love how they articulate and they make me think.

“If you’re cancelling a culture, you’re cancelling my ability to have all the knowledge and think.”

For the full interview, which also covers King’s issues with the mental health “industry” and his views on feeling Māori, listen via the audio player above, or click here. Follow Generally Famous on Apple, Spotify, or any other podcast app, to get instant, automatic access to new episodes.