Comedian Andrew Schultz is known for pushing boundaries in the world of comedy, but his latest encounter with cancel culture has surprised even his biggest fans. After hosting Donald Trump on his popular podcast Flagrant, Schultz’s planned comedy special at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) was abruptly canceled. This decision came just hours after the Flagrant episode featuring Trump was released on YouTube.
The Sudden Cancellation
Only three hours after the 90-minute interview with Donald Trump was uploaded to YouTube, Schultz received an email from BAM stating that the venue would no longer host his upcoming special. The special, which was scheduled to be filmed in just a month, had already been in the works for a long time. Schultz and his team had visited the venue multiple times, preparing every detail for the production.
“We had everything ready to go,” Schultz explained on his podcast, “we were going on sale this week, the production team had already curated the set design, and then we get an email canceling the entire event just three hours after the Trump interview was posted.”
Did the Trump Interview Cause the Cancellation?
While the exact reasons for BAM's decision are unclear, Schultz hinted that his interview with Trump might have been the catalyst. Hosting the former president during a heated election season likely raised concerns at BAM, a venue known for its progressive arts programming. Although BAM didn’t explicitly state that the Trump interview was the reason for the cancellation, the timing seems too close to be coincidental.
“It’s insane to think that providing the longest interview to date with a presidential candidate could get you banned from a venue,” Schultz said. “But here we are.”
What’s Next for Andrew Schultz's Comedy Special?
After the cancellation, Schultz and his team scrambled to find a new venue in New York City. Despite the setback, Schultz has announced that his next special will now be filmed at the Beacon Theatre, an even larger and more prestigious venue than BAM. The special will also be released on Netflix, marking Schultz's continued rise in the comedy world despite the challenges he faces.
For those looking to see Andrew Schultz live, be sure to grab tickets for live comedy shows as his tour continues, leading up to the special.
The Impact of Cancel Culture on Comedy
This incident highlights the ongoing debate about cancel culture in the arts. Schultz's experience with BAM reflects the growing divide between venues, comedians, and political ideologies. While some argue that businesses have the right to choose whom they host, others see this as a form of censorship that stifles free expression in comedy.
Schultz himself is no stranger to controversy. His previous special, which he famously bought back from a streaming service to avoid censorship, was a huge success. As the comedy world navigates these complex cultural battles, Schultz remains at the forefront, unapologetically pushing boundaries and advocating for free speech in comedy.
If you're a fan of Andrew Schultz or stand-up comedy in general, be sure to follow his tour dates and buy comedy show tickets before they sell out.