13 Times Getting Canceled Was Just the Free Market in Action, Baby

Anyone in the public eye usually has some higher power to answer to. Their involvement with a movie, TV show, sports team, and/or sponsorship deal with a brand generally comes with expectations of maintaining a positive public image. Do some shit, lose some shit… It’s called accountability, baby! Way back in the day, most shady shit never even came to light, and if it did, it could be covered up real quick. Accountability began to (occasionally) rear its head, but it was only reserved for the complete monsters. Not like today. These days, accountability has a hair trigger.

Companies will sever ties to protect their reputation over a tweet, because associating with a now-controversial figure can lead to lost profits and potential boycotts. The “cancel culture” debate is usually over the fact that said “canceled” person can actually be innocent of said shady shit, but because of the power of public opinion, companies have to distance themselves from the overall controversy. Speaking of public opinion, whether you think they did or didn’t do it, or did or didn’t deserve it, here are 13 cancellations that definitely felt the wrath of the free market, baby!

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Peloton really regretted this cute little marketing opportunity.

NPR 

Yeah, once the word cannibalism gets thrown around…

Variety

And every parent on Earth collectively cried, “I told ya so.”

NME

I mean, the word “health” is right there in the title, Aaron.

NY Post

That whole “be kind” motto was all for show.

The Things / CNN 

Maybe sit this one out, creator of the franchise.

SCMP

The $1.5 billion remarks.

Axios

They did not “want it that way,” Mr. Carter.

Variety

Netflix immediately cut ties with Kevin Spacey.

Insider

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