Tim Allen has argued that the “thought police” are ruining comedy and that it’s an “alarming” time for people in the profession.
The actor, who voiced Toy Story's Buzz Lightyear and stars in sitcom Last Man Standing, told hosts of The View that he “hates” having to explain the thought process behind jokes he makes.
“What I got to do sometimes is explain – which I hate – in big arenas, that this is a thought police thing, and I do not like it,” he said. “But, [I explain that], when I use these words, this is my intent behind those words.”
Allen, whose views have been echoed by Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock, said the situation is “really alarming”.
The View host Joy Behar, who is a former comedian, agreed with Allen, adding: “PC culture [is making comedy] really hard.”
In January, Rock complained that he he can no longer say something “offensive and funny” due to backlash down the line.
Over the past few years, a number of comedians have been criticised for jokes they made on social media years before.
The most recent example is Kevin Hart, who stepped down as host of the 2019 Oscars after decade-old tweets re-emerged, in which he made offensive comments about the LGBT+ community.
Hart decided to step down from the role.
In a statement, he said: “I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists.”
He also apologised to the LGBT+ community “for insensitive words from [his] past”.
