With National Cancel Culture Day approaching on July 12, now is the perfect time to examine how cancel culture operates, why it fails to stick in many cases, and what it takes to engineer a successful comeback. The phenomenon often delivers punishment without due process and rarely offers a path to redemption. But real-world examples show that, in time, the public often moves on and many so-called “canceled” figures find ways to return.
At Red Banyan, we believe cancel culture oversimplifies people, ignores context, and discourages growth. The following celebrity comeback stories show that with smart strategy, accountability, and the right platform, public figures can reclaim control of their narrative.
Will Smith: A Public Meltdown and a Calculated Comeback
When Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock during the 2022 Oscars after a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, the fallout was instant. The Academy banned him from attending its events for 10 years, multiple projects were paused, and his image took a severe hit.
But Smith didn’t vanish. He released the introspective album Based on a True Story, returned to theaters with Bad Boys: Ride or Die, and is reportedly developing a Netflix roast special that confronts the incident with humor and control. His comeback hasn’t relied on excuses, but on fresh, forward-looking content and a willingness to take responsibility without self-pity.
Chris Rock: The Joke Heard Around the World
Although Rock didn’t throw the first punch, his joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s alopecia still faced sizable backlash. Some criticized Rock for crossing a line, igniting debates about what comedians should and shouldn’t say onstage.
Rather than go silent, Rock used the controversy to create one of the most anticipated comedy specials of the year. Selective Outrage, released live on Netflix in 2023, tackled the slap, the media reaction, and public hypocrisy. Rock used the stage to control the narrative, then pivoted audience attention toward his bigger projects. He showed how controversy, when addressed directly, can become fuel for a stronger brand.
Lea Michele: From Scandal to Standing Ovations
In 2020, Lea Michele’s image took a major hit after former Glee castmates accused her of bullying and creating a toxic environment on set. The criticism spread quickly, casting a shadow over her career and reputation.
Michele responded with a public apology and later reached out privately to former co-stars, describing those conversations as healing and eye-opening. In 2022, she returned to Broadway in Funny Girl, where her performance earned critical praise and full houses. By acknowledging the harm and reestablishing herself through discipline and talent, she began to rebuild both her career and her credibility.
Todd Chrisley: From Prison to Public Reboot
Todd Chrisley, star of Chrisley Knows Best, was convicted in 2022 of bank fraud and tax evasion totaling more than $30 million. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison, and his show was canceled.
In May 2025, Chrisley was granted a full pardon by former President Donald Trump. Since then, he has re-emerged on social media, engaging with fans and hinting at future projects. Regardless of the legal details, he is rebuilding his presence by doubling down on his loyal following and staying visible.
Michael Barrymore: A Comeback Through the Algorithm
UK entertainer Michael Barrymore’s career collapsed in 2001 after a man died at a party at his home under unclear circumstances. Though Barrymore was never charged, the resulting media storm ended his television career.
Years later, he found a second act online. He built a massive audience through TikTok and YouTube and reportedly earns over £250,000 per year. His case shows how digital platforms can help personalities connect directly with audiences, bypassing traditional gatekeepers and rewriting public perception.
A Reminder for National Cancel Culture Day
These stories aren’t endorsements of bad behavior. They are proof that cancellation is rarely the end. Comebacks require strategy, accountability, and persistence. As National Cancel Culture Day reminds us, public opinion can shift quickly. But with the right plan, even the most damaged reputations can recover.
At Red Banyan, we believe that everyone deserves a path forward. We specialize in helping individuals and brands prepare for the storm, navigate the backlash, and write the next chapter on their own terms.
Need a strategy for your next move? Red Banyan is ready to help you rebuild, rebrand, and move forward. Contact us today to learn more.
Want more insight? Read When Optics Go Viral: How Presidential Slip-Ups Become PR Headaches or From Touchdown to Takedown: Antonio Brown’s Attempted Murder Charge and the PR Fallout of a Public Meltdown
