Why did Shane Dawson get cancelled?

Dec 3

17:29

2023

Jane Scaplen

Shane Dawson were "cancelled" in 2020 due to a series of controversies surrounding their past actions and content.

Resurfacing of offensive content:

Racist slurs and blackface: Old videos surfaced showing Dawson using racist slurs and performing in blackface. This caused widespread outrage and accusations of racism.
Inappropriate jokes: Past content included jokes about pedophilia and offensive remarks towards certain communities, further damaging his image.
Sexualization of minors: A clip resurfaced of him making inappropriate gestures towards a poster of then-11-year-old Willow Smith, prompting condemnation from Willow's mother, Jada Pinkett Smith.

Loss of trust and credibility:

Repeated apologies: Dawson's history of apologizing for past controversies, only to have new ones resurface, led to accusations of insincerity and a lack of accountability.
Manipulation and bullying: He was accused of manipulating and bullying other YouTubers, particularly Tati Westbrook, during the "Dramageddon" saga.
Loss of sponsorships and collaborations: Many brands and fellow creators distanced themselves from Dawson, further isolating him.

Impact and aftermath:

Significant decline in popularity: He lost millions of subscribers and viewers, with his social media presence drastically reduced.
YouTube demonetization: His channels were demonetized, significantly impacting his income.
Long-term damage to his career: Despite attempts at a comeback, the controversies continue to overshadow his reputation.

It's important to note that there are differing perspectives on Shane Dawson's cancellation. Some believe he deserved the backlash for his harmful actions, while others argue he has been unfairly targeted and deserves a chance at redemption.

Why is Shane Dawson not posting?

Shane Dawson's recent lack of activity on his main YouTube channel (last video uploaded December 1st, 2023) could be due to several reasons:

Reduced audience and engagement: After the controversies surrounding his past actions, Dawson's subscriber count and viewership dropped significantly. This may discourage him from posting regularly, especially if he feels his content isn't resonating with the audience.

Focus on other platforms: He remains active on Instagram, posting regularly about his personal life and promoting his podcast ("Shane and Friends"). This suggests he might be shifting his focus away from YouTube.

Changing creative direction: It's possible Dawson is taking time to re-evaluate his content strategy and develop new formats that appeal to his remaining audience. This could involve a shift in tone, topics, or production quality.

Addressing past controversies: There's speculation that Dawson might be preparing a video addressing his past actions and demonstrating genuine accountability. This could be a lengthy process, requiring careful planning and consideration.

Personal reasons: It's also possible that Dawson is simply taking a break for personal reasons, focusing on his marriage, family, or other priorities.

Without an official statement from Dawson himself, it's impossible to say for sure why he hasn't posted on his main YouTube channel in a while. However, the factors mentioned above provide some potential explanations.

Why did Jeffree Star and Shane Dawson get cancelled?

Jeffree Star and Shane Dawson were both "cancelled" in 2020 due to a series of controversies surrounding their past actions and content. While their situations have some overlap, the specific reasons for their downfalls differ:

Accusations of sexual assault, physical violence, and racism: A 2020 Insider article detailed numerous allegations against Star, including drugging men, violent behavior, racist comments, and financial exploitation. Despite his denials, these accusations significantly damaged his public image.

Dramageddon: Star's involvement in the "Dramageddon" saga, where he publicly criticized fellow YouTuber Tati Westbrook, further eroded his reputation and led to accusations of manipulation and bullying.

Loss of sponsorships and collaborations: In light of the controversies, brands and other creators distanced themselves from Star, impacting his income and influence.