Inside the 'needlessly cruel' cancellation of author Kate Clanchy and why I'm glad I'm not the BBC

Inside the ‘Needlessly Cruel’ Cancellation of Author Kate Clanchy

A common misconception about cancel culture in literature is that if a writer still earns a living, remains in print, and occasionally appears in public, they haven’t truly faced cancellation. This belief suggests the consequences for their "crime" are proportional. Those who have publicly attacked fellow writers online, contributing to their downfall, might find comfort in this idea.

Monisha Rajesh's Role in the Controversy

Travel writer Monisha Rajesh, a key figure in the criticism of poet and author Kate Clanchy, supports this view. When BBC reporter Katie Razzall asked if Clanchy had been cancelled, Rajesh replied, “of course not,” adding, “Everyone’s still talking about her.”

Everyone’s still talking about her.

Rajesh also expressed no regrets about her role in “challenging” Clanchy four years ago. Yet, she recently posted a tearful video on Instagram, upset that the Clanchy case was being revisited.

Podcast Series Revisiting the Case

This reacquaintance came with the launch of Anatomy of a Cancellation, a new six-episode podcast presented by Katie Razzall on BBC Sounds. It examines the conflicting perspectives on how Clanchy was accused of racism, a year after the 2020 publication of her bestselling memoir, Some Kids I Taught and What They Taught Me, which earned critical acclaim and the Orwell Prize.

It received rave reviews, also scooping the Orwell Prize.

The podcast delves into the complex debate surrounding Clanchy’s work and the public response that eventually led to her vilification.

Author’s Summary

Kate Clanchy’s case illustrates how cancel culture can escalate beyond proportion, affecting reputations despite continued public attention and professional success.

The Scotsman — 2025-11-10