Right Said Fred Insist They Remain 'Cancelled' Following Covid Vaccine Controversy
The pop band Right Said Fred, best known for their 1991 hit I'm Too Sexy, have claimed they are still experiencing career repercussions years after making controversial statements about Covid-19 vaccines and lockdown restrictions. Brothers Fred and Richard Fairbrass, aged 62 and 72 respectively, believe their outspoken views have led to a form of ongoing cancellation within the entertainment industry.
Controversial Comments and Career Fallout
In 2021, Richard Fairbrass publicly labelled Covid vaccines a 'scam', suggesting they were only for experimental use and lacked long-term data. He made these remarks just six months before being hospitalised with coronavirus himself for four nights, during which he struggled to breathe. Despite this, he maintained his refusal to get vaccinated.
The siblings also criticised lockdown measures, arguing that the alternative to restrictions was accepting that 'some of us are going to die'. They attended a protest in Trafalgar Square in September 2020, defending their actions under the banner of freedom of speech and claiming the UK had become a 'strange place' where only certain opinions were deemed acceptable.
Significant Professional Consequences
Reflecting on the impact, Richard revealed: 'In Covid, we were cancelled. We're still cancelled to a degree.' The duo detailed substantial losses, including:
- A cancelled autobiography
- Approximately 100 shows called off
- A film project abandoned
- Two or three commercial deals terminated
Fred added bluntly: 'We lost a lot of money.' They also reported receiving death threats following their vaccine stance.
Industry Backlash and Public Reaction
During a recent interview, host André Walker informed them that some media outlets had been advised not to book Right Said Fred due to their perceived 'extremist' and 'far-right' views. Fred responded: 'It's just so stupid.'
Social media reactions were largely unsympathetic. One user pointed out: 'Their last top ten song was in 1993, but yeah "cancel culture".' Another commented: 'Lads – literally nobody asked for a Right Said Fred autobiography or movie. It's not about cancel culture, it's about you being a novelty act for five minutes 35 years ago.' Critics accused them of spreading 'vile nonsense' and being 'victims of their own stupidity'.
Defence of Free Speech and Nuanced Positions
In November 2020, Fred insisted to the BBC that he was 'not a Covid denier' nor 'anti-vax', but defended people's right to express opinions. He stated: 'People can disagree; criticism is part of free speech.' He acknowledged Covid's serious impact but argued other health conditions shouldn't be ignored.
Richard told The Sun in 2021 that while it was 'fine' for others to get vaccinated, he felt criticised for his caution. These comments emerged amidst widespread vaccine misinformation, including unfounded theories about DNA alteration or microchipping.
Official Health Guidance Context
The NHS has consistently emphasised that Covid vaccines meet strict safety standards. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) continuously monitors them, with serious side effects reported as very rare. Updated World Health Organisation findings in December 2025 reaffirmed that current vaccines remain the most effective way to prevent severe Covid-19 disease.
Right Said Fred's experience highlights ongoing debates about free speech, celebrity influence, and the long-term professional consequences of controversial public statements during the pandemic era.
