Cancel Culture: Celebrities Who Continue to Beat the “Cancelled” Allegations

In recent years, we have seen cancel culture run rampant among celebrities. Sometimes, cancel culture can be a double-edged sword, as it holds these individuals accountable for their actions or comments. However, it also leaves little to no room for redemption or growth.  Despite facing public scrutiny, only a handful of high-profile figures have defeated cancellation and continued to have thriving careers.

Chris Brown: The Comeback King

Chris Brown, also known as Breezy, is no stranger to controversy.  The 35-year-old multi-talented artist stepped on the scene as the boy next door who quickly stole America’s heart.  But, in 2009, his entire image changed following his infamous assault on his then-girlfriend, Rihanna.  Even though Brown took accountability for his actions by turning himself in to the authorities and going on a redemption tour, many people believed his run had come to an end.

However, over the years, Brown has proved that he’s not letting his past issues deter his passion for music and entertainment.  In fact, he was able to win over the public once again with his 2010 BET Awards performance tribute to Michael Jackson.  During his set, Brown performed a melody of Jackson’s hits and ended the show with a tearful performance of “Man In The Mirror,” highlighting his regret for the incident. Since then, Brown has topped charts, including the Billboard 200, where his 2019 album “Indigo” debuted at number one. He can also be credited with bringing back meet-and-greets that intensify concert experiences.  Nonetheless, Brown may still face backlash occasionally, but he continues to show his undeniable stage presence, which keeps him relevant in the music industry.

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Will Smith: The Hollywood Hero

In 2022, Will Smith sent Hollywood into a shock after what was coined as “the slap heard across the world.” During the 2022 Oscars, host Chris Rock made a distasteful hair joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith. As a result, Smith made an appearance on stage and took a moment to slap Rock for laughing at Jada’s haircut.  At the time, there were speculations of the slap being a part of the show, but it, in fact, was not.  Days following the moment, Smith was hit with a ton of backlash and his squeaky-clean image took a heavy hit.  However, Smith ensured his legacy didn’t suffer from his actions, opting for a public apology, having open discussions about mental health, and taking a brief break from the spotlight.

Despite the situation, Smith’s legacy as one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors remained intact.  Since the incident, the actor has starred in different projects, including the “Emancipation” film and the fourth installment of the famous “Bad Boys” franchise.  Additionally, the 55-year-old star is currently having a successful run as an executive producer of his “Bel-Air” series.

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Nicki Minaj: Challenging Criticism With Resilience

Nicki Minaj has had her fair share of cancellation attempts.  From her controversial statements to her husband’s legal issues, Minaj has often found herself at the center of crossfire.  But, in true Queen fashion, every time the media and public have tried to write her off, the rapper bounces back even stronger and makes it clear why she’s a force to be reckoned with.

Her unapologetic nature and talent make her an all-time fan favorite. Outside of her social media platforms, Minaj’s “Queen” radio show serves as another outlet where she can share her views and unapologetically address controversies while reclaiming the narrative.  Despite being constantly criticized for her personal life, the “Super Bass” star continues to soar in the music industry.  She has mastered the art of staying relevant over time by constantly dropping chart-topping tracks and nurturing her spicy “Barbz” fanbase.  Though her recent “Gag City Reloaded” tour was met with a string of complaints, including tardiness, Minaj’s fans have shown that they are willing to wait hours to witness her greatness.

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Glorilla: Breaking Through Early Criticism

Even though Glorilla is one of the most recent stars to earn a name in the music industry, her journey to success hasn’t been without bumps. From colorism accusations to suspicions surrounding her rapid success, the Memphis rapper had faced many cancellation attempts before her musical journey entirely took off. Her breakout hit “F.N.F (Let’s Go)” quickly catapulted her into fame, and she has yet to look back.  But her constant resilience against criticism has set her apart.

Glorilla followed up her hit single with another powerhouse track, “Tomorrow 2,” featuring Cardi B. Unfortunately, Glo was faced with negativity when she released “Cha Cha Cha.” The song disappointed many fans who believed the single didn’t meet the standards they placed on Glorilla. But instead of responding negatively, Glo confronted the backlash head-on and came back harder with multiple catchy tunes.  This approach resonated with fans who admired her ability to take on criticism and learn from her mistakes.

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Boosie: Humor Overshadowing Controversy

Last but certainly not least, Boosie Badazz is one to stir the pot and cause some controversial moments.  From his interesting commentary on social media to his views on the LGBTQ+ community, the Louisiana rapper is no stranger to being cancelled.  Yet, despite being removed from certain platforms multiple times and facing public outrage, Boosie’s success has remained unscathed thanks to his loyal supporters.

What sets Boosie apart from other celebs is his refusal to blend into society’s pressures. Instead, he embraces being an outsider, doubling down on his opinions rather than apologizing for his beliefs. His core fanbase, which has supported him since his underground Southern rap days, remains faithful and allows him to perform sold-out shows around the country as they appreciate his unapologetic persona.

Nonetheless, while cancel culture seems to dominate the entertainment world, these celebrities prove that cancellation doesn’t always equate to the end of their careers.  Whether it’s owning their narratives or confronting their mistakes, these individuals remind us that we can rise from any situation.

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— Boosie BadAzz (@BOOSIEOFFICIAL) January 11, 2024