Renowned comedian Jerry Seinfeld recently recanted his previous statements about political correctness and its influence on comedy. Speaking on the show “Breaking Bread with Tom Papa,” Seinfeld revisited his comments from April 2024, in which he claimed the “extreme left” was damaging the comedy scene. He has now clarified that he no longer upholds that perspective.

Seinfeld recounted his earlier interview with The New Yorker, where he had asserted that the extreme left was suppressing comedy. “I did say that. That’s not true. It’s not true,” he clarified.

In his interview with The New Yorker, Seinfeld had voiced concerns about the impact of political correctness on comedy, zeroing in on the influence of what he labeled as the “extreme left.” He argued that these cultural shifts have posed challenges for comedians in pushing boundaries and taking risks.

During his appearance on “Breaking Bread with Tom Papa,” Seinfeld criticized the trend of jokes being processed through various hands or committees, arguing that it hampers creativity and dilutes comedy. He maintained that this atmosphere has deterred comedians from exploring edgier content due to the fear of causing offense.

However, Seinfeld now feels that despite the changing cultural climate, comedians can adapt and still resonate with their audience. “The game is, where is the gate?” Seinfeld asked. “How do I make the gate and get down the hill the way I want to?”

He also addressed the misconception that he avoids performing at colleges due to concerns over political correctness. “First of all, I never said it, but if you think I said it, it’s not true. I play colleges all the time,” Seinfeld clarified. He mentioned that he had recently performed at universities in Indiana and Kentucky without any issues.

Seinfeld acknowledged the natural evolution of comedy and cultural sensitivities. He explained that while some subjects may now be off-limits, it doesn’t restrict comedians. Instead, it encourages them to find innovative ways to engage with their audience. He cautioned that comedians risk becoming irrelevant if they fail to adapt. Despite societal shifts, he underscored that comedy remains rooted in authentic expression and sharp observation.