‘Cancel culture’ insurance – the quick reputation fix celebrities have been waiting for

The internet has the ability to find a reason to ‘ cancel ‘ someone by digging deep into their social media activity, resulting in full-blown scandals, never-ending backlash, lost opportunities, and even career ruin.

Many celebrities have experienced significant public backlash and have been ‘ cancelled ‘ due to their actions, comments, or past behaviour. Take BBC presenter Greg Wallace’s misconduct allegations, J. K. Rowling’s previous transphobic comments and the ongoing feud between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.

But now, stars can access an unusual form of protection, called ‘ cancel culture insurance’. This policy comes with 60 days of crisis management communication services, including a 24/7 emergency hotline, security advice, and dedicated crisis PR support if they find themselves in a scandal that might affect their careers. It would be calculated based on their wealth, annual earnings and the risk of their past and social media use.

Essentially, it’s a celebrity-specific form of therapy, but with being able to save their careers and avoid public scrutiny. Mark Borkoswki told MailOnline: “If Justin Baldoni and Gregg Wallace had this policy and found themselves in the situation they are in that they would have proper, comprehensive and fully professional care overnight”.

According to the Financial Times, the policy is being created by Samphire Risk, a Lloyd’s of London-backed independent underwriting agency that offers products focused on crime, hostage-taking, and kidnap risk, in partnership with Borkowski PR, a London-based crisis communication group.

Celebrities are highly susceptible to being targeted by cancel culture. The consequences can be long-lasting and severe and may carry a heavy emotional toll – which is where cancel culture insurance comes into play.

How does cancel culture insurance work?

Cancel culture insurance policies are tailored and customised to each celebrity’s situation, public image, and standing in the industry – and could be seen as a type of therapy designed just for celebrities. The process typically begins with a risk assessment, analysing the potential vulnerabilities of the individual.

This involves examining their past statements, social media presence, and any controversies that might arise in the future. Once the assessment is completed, the insurer will create a policy specifically covering the risks faced by the celebrity.

While cancel culture insurance is undoubtedly beneficial to celebrities seeking protection against online backlash, it also raises the possibility of allowing public figures to avoid the consequences of their actions or words. By purchasing insurance, some might even use it as a way to bypass accountability, which undermines the very idea of ‘ cancelling ‘ someone.

Source: Mirror