The 1990s pop sensation Right Said Fred, known for their infectious hit “I’m Too Sexy,” claim a shadow still hangs over their careers – a lingering “cancellation” stemming from their outspoken views during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Brothers Fred and Richard Fairbrass ignited controversy in 2021 when Richard publicly questioned the Covid-19 vaccine, labeling it “foolish” and intended for “experimental use.” This stance, made just months before Richard himself was hospitalized with the virus and struggled to breathe, would prove costly.
The duo didn’t stop there, voicing opposition to lockdown measures, suggesting a grim choice between isolation and accepting inevitable loss. They defended their right to express these opinions under the banner of “freedom of speech,” even participating in a protest in Trafalgar Square.
Now, years later, the Fairbrass brothers assert that their outspokenness resulted in significant professional repercussions. “In Covid, we were cancelled. We’re still cancelled to a degree of it,” Richard recently stated, revealing a cascade of lost opportunities.
The fallout was extensive: a cancelled autobiography, approximately 100 scrapped shows, a derailed film project, and the loss of several commercial endorsements. Fred added bluntly, “We lost a lot of money.” The brothers also reported receiving disturbing “death threats” in response to their anti-vaccine sentiments.
Their perspective on the situation is one of frustration, dismissing the notion of being “cancelled” as “stupid.” However, online reactions paint a different picture, with many suggesting their relevance hinges on the controversy itself.
Critics pointed out the band’s musical peak occurred decades ago, implying that the “cancel culture” narrative is a convenient way to remain in the public eye. One user on social media quipped, “Their last top ten song was in 1993, but yeah ‘cancel culture.’”
Fred, while maintaining he wasn’t “anti-vax,” defended the right of individuals to express dissenting opinions, emphasizing the importance of free speech and acknowledging the broader healthcare needs beyond the pandemic. He argued that focusing solely on Covid overshadowed other critical health concerns.
Richard echoed this sentiment, stating he simply preferred to be “cautious” and felt unfairly judged for it. This position emerged during a period rife with misinformation surrounding the vaccines, including unfounded claims about altered DNA and microchipping.
Health organizations, like the NHS, consistently emphasized the rigorous safety standards and effectiveness of the Covid-19 vaccines, backed by extensive review from independent regulatory bodies. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) continuously monitored vaccine safety, reporting only very rare instances of serious side effects.
Recent findings from the World Health Organisation, five years after the initial vaccine rollout, confirm that staying up-to-date with vaccinations remains the most effective way to prevent severe illness from Covid-19. The debate, however, continues to resonate, highlighting the complex intersection of personal beliefs, public health, and the enduring power of a controversial statement.
