Russell Peters on comedy in the age of ‘cancel culture,’ ‘political correctness’
Los Angeles –
Our interview with CTV W5’s Russell Peters is one of several we’ve done with members of the comedy industry to talk broadly and nuanced about how political correctness has changed the world of stand-up comedy. is.For full documentary clock “Rough Attack” Saturday at 7pm on CTV. Read to the end of the article to watch Sandy Rinaldo’s extended interview with Russell Peters, exclusively online..
Russell Peters has gone from a challenging bullied and targeted childhood to one of the biggest names in comedy, known for his keen observational humor about ethnicity, race and cultural stereotypes.
Rolling Stone magazine lists 52-year-old Indian Canadians who grew up in Brampton, Ontario. As his one of the 50 greatest comics of all time. He was also one of the highest paid men in the world according to Forbes magazine. In 2007, he became the first comedian to sell out the Air His Canada Center.
Quite impressive.
That’s why CTV W5 decided to explore how political correctness, ‘cancellation’ and ‘culture awakened’ are impacting the comedy scene. Actor Will Smith is offended by comments about his wife from Oscar winner Chris Rock, given the backlash that big names like Dave Chappelle and Ricky Gervais have made over their transgender jokes and infamous comics. After standing up, slap him.
We were curious to see if he’s down to his acerbic, unbridled humor.
W5 went back and forth with the Peters people. There were scheduling conflicts on both sides. Negotiations took several weeks and were finally given a date and time for an interview at Peters’ California home. The comic was juggling tours and downtime, though it was almost canceled at the last minute.
The W5 team arrived at Peters’ sprawling, contemporary 8,000-square-foot home in LA’s San Bernardino Valley. We set up on the main floor in a room chock-full of Peters memorabilia next to an open-tread steel and wood double staircase that leads up to a wall of glass.
Some of his comedy buddies sat outside on the covered patio next to the azure pool.
Peters’ wife Ali, whom we got married in February 2022, welcomed us warmly. While waiting for her husband to appear, she casually sat on the steps and chatted about the construction of the house.
We also talked about a neighborhood that had a front row seat to the infamous O.J. Simpson high-speed police chase in June 1994. The incident was broadcast live on television and resulted in his arrest.
The roar of a sports car pulling into the driveway marks the arrival of the man of the hour who slipped past us to enter the house and chat with friends and family.
It was only when he recognized us that Peters’ laser-focused humor and charm kicked into high gear. He was excited to chat with a group of Canadians about all things Canada. He’s excited to make me laugh.
The interview was quintessentially Peters, engaging, energetic and impeccable. “We are free thinkers. Trying to control our brains ruins the game.”
He went on to emphasize this one important point. If you don’t like his humor, don’t come to his show. “I must serve those who want to hear me.”
Russell Peters talks to CTV W5’s Sandy Rinaldo
does he have any regrets? not much. But he tells us: And it was perfectly normal and perfectly acceptable at the time. “
“But your job is to push the envelope,” Peters added.
Peters had a lot more to say about political correctness. CTV W5 Saturday 7pm “Laugh Attack”
Using files from W5 Producer Chad Derrick
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Want to see more? Click here for a portion of our interview with Russell Peters not included in the story.
can also see Russell Peters @ JFL On CTV.ca and CTV.app
