Deborah Meaden sparks fresh outrage after dismissing cancel culture claims as BBC Dragons' Den star flooded with examples

Mr Brooks had posted on the social media platform an update expressing his own dismay with the state of the UK and how the current climate can lead to people being punished for merely holding opinions.

Ms Meaden saw Mr Brooks' post and asked for examples, prompting floods of articles and firsthand accounts of those who had fallen victim to the clutches of cancel culture over the years.

Now, Ms Meaden has spoken out after finding her inbox filled with examples, although her responses to several of the incidents have left several social media users unimpressed.

Fellow People's Channel contributor Connie Shaw was just one X user to share their story. She explained how her "gender critical views" almost led to her expulsion from Leeds University.

She explained how she now works for the Free Speech Union, an organisation that assists those who've been targeted or punished for expressing free speech.

But despite Ms Shaw's response, Ms Meaden doubled down: "Great work Connie but it underlines the point that it was illegal to be expelled."

You’ve doubled down Deborah- astonishing.

You’re either stupid ( I don’t believe you are )

Or

You are so invested in your warped agenda, you just can’t admit anything that highlights its wrong doings.

— Adam Brooks AKA EssexPR 🇬🇧 (@EssexPR) January 14, 2026

Ms Shaw replied: "I submit that you have significantly moved the goal posts. Regardless, the law is pretty meaningless if the police don’t follow it."

And a gobsmacked Mr Brooks was also stunned by the investor's response: "You’ve doubled down, Deborah - astonishing.

"You’re either stupid (I don’t believe you are ) or you are so invested in your warped agenda, you just can’t admit anything that highlights its wrongdoings."

However, in a series of other X posts, Ms Meaden admitted she was "thankful" to have received examples of cancel culture at work, and has "learned a lot".

"I like to understand and evidence claims… this platform is so divisive, it’s not possible, although I do see I could have asked better. I expect abuse on just about every post I make, and I get it," she told one X user.

"Thank you… appreciated. There are so many unsubstantiated statements on here, so examples (are) always good," she replied to another who provided their story, while she told a third: "I am genuinely thankful for the examples."

However, the refusal to apologise or admit any wrongdoing didn't sit well with several social media users, or others who'd fallen victim to the grips of cancel culture.

Mr Brooks returned to X after the initial exchange that sparked the widespread debate to share his disbelief in Ms Meaden's approach to the subject in light of so many examples.

"I’m absolutely shocked at how you think, I’m taken back, genuinely," he penned directly to Ms Meaden.

"There’s multiple cases of what I ACTUALLY CLAIMED. I’m embarrassed for you, thousands have seen this today. You have no shame." (sic)

And in a separate update, he added: "The @DeborahMeaden exchange yesterday has been seen by hundreds of thousands of people.

"How this so-called 'intelligent' person has the audacity to doubt claims of cancellation, arrest & prosecution for opinions or speech in this country is beyond me.

Hi Terry, I thanked some, skipped past the really ugly responses, and learned a lot…. I’m glad I asked. I can’t respond to all but be sure I’ve read most.

— Deborah Meaden 🇺🇦 (@DeborahMeaden) January 15, 2026

"I hope she reflects on her stupidity. And the funny thing, despite all the actual cases and people provided as evidence, her anonymous bots, eu flagged followers and die hard lefties insisted she was right." (sic)

Ms Meaden is no stranger to using her social media platform to express her views, no matter how politicised.

For instance, following Robert Jenrick's defection from the Conservatives to Reform UK, Ms Meaden reposted a series of critical X posts mocking the political move.