Deborah Meaden admits 'I was tunnel-visioned' over cancel culture denial as BBC Dragons' Den star makes free speech U-turn

Ms Meaden's request for evidence prompted an avalanche of responses from high-profile figures and ordinary citizens alike, each sharing their experiences of cancellation.

The exchange, which took place earlier this week, has since been viewed by hundreds of thousands of users and sparked widespread criticism of the BBC star's handling of the numerous examples presented to her.

Among those who responded was Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan, who recounted how he lost his career and a musical adaptation of the beloved sitcom after speaking out against transgender ideology in defence of women's rights.

Pool player Lynne Pinches, GB News regular Connie Shaw, former Green Party deputy leader Sharar Ali, and many others also provided Ms Meaden with accounts of their experiences.

Ms Meaden had previously "thanked" X users for their examples and firsthand accounts, calling the entire debate a "helpful" exercise.

And returning to the social media platform on Sunday, Ms Meaden conceded she framed her initial enquiry "poorly" and that she was "tunnel-visioned" on her belief that some solely used the concept of free speech as an excuse to express hate speech.

In one of a series of X posts, Ms Meaden clarified: "I’m still going through the many replies and can see there are some horror stories!! This started as a question about free speech because I often see the argument used to allow free hate speech… which I absolutely can’t agree with, but the examples contain some very damning information." (sic)

Swimmer Sharron Davies, who's no stranger to cancel culture herself, praised Ms Meaden for acknowledging the newfound information she'd received. "Thank you for taking the time," Ms Davies began.

"For many, including myself, it turned my world upside down simply fighting for the sporting rights of our girls, in an activity totally affected by biology."

Ms Meaden sympathised with Ms Davies: "I know Sharon… I read your book. I made a poor post, of course, I should clarify… I get a lot on my timeline defending awful things and justifying it as freedom of speech, and I was tunnel visioned on that.

"And… I genuinely am glad it opened the door.. there’s much I knew and much I didn’t.. am I hope that is true of many following this. Have a lovely Sunday… I’m off to walk the dogs and feed the animals x." (sic)

She also explained to another user why she asked the question in the first place, insisting it wasn't from a place of malice.

The 66-year-old said: "I was asking for examples… and anyone who follows me knows, whilst I could have asked better. I do often ask for substantiation. It helps me understand where someone is coming from, and I can also fact-check.

"I didn’t argue (cancel culture) didn’t exist, but I would argue that freedom of speech should neither be used to silence real issues nor cause harm to society."

Ms Meaden's decision to take full accountability for her admittedly "tunnel visioned" and misguided stance on the issue gained praise from several other X users, as well as Ms Davies.

This included Mr Brooks, who similarly returned to the social media platform on Sunday to bury the hatchet with the businesswoman.

"Myself & @DeborahMeaden have drawn a line under our online spat. We both agree it’s a good thing that such an important issue has been highlighted and seen by so many," Mr Brooks penned.

"Free speech must be protected, and people must be able to discuss these topics without fear of losing their jobs or even their freedom." (sic)