JOSS IS (NO LONGER?) BOSS: FANS’ NEGOTIATIONS AROUND THE “CANCELLING” OF JOSS WHEDON

Abstract

The case of Joss Whedon, who has been subject to calls for “cancelling” in light of allegations around misconduct and abuse, is at the heart of a major cultural debate. The term ‘cancel culture’ that entered the public sphere alongside the #MeToo movement has quickly earned a contested status. The Whedon fan community has been a key site within this broader controversy, as withdrawal of support for the prominent creator began gradually in 2017 and intensified in 2021, after several allegations of harassment and abuse have been made public. This study will examine how fans perceive these allegations, how they see the status of creators and their contents in light of them, and how they navigate the ambivalences inherent in “cancelling” a previously-valued creator. This case is particularly enlightening given the fact that Whedon was celebrated for advancing feminist agendas in popular culture. In order to understand how Whedon fans perceive, evaluate and employ “cancelling,” this study will employ qualitative analysis of 20 in-depth interviews with Whedon fans and former fans, sampled from the fan community on Twitter. Through an in-depth examination of how fans understand Whedon and his works in light of the recent allegations, this study will shed light on “cancelling” as a political-ideological tool and the ways in which popular culture serves as a key arena in today’s “culture wars.”