Julia Louis-Dreyfus on Political Correctness: “Sensitivity Doesn’t Kill Comedy

he VEEP Star Weighs In on the Debate Around Comedy and Political Correctness

Julia Louis-Dreyfus has shared her thoughts on the impact of political correctness on comedy, emphasizing that awareness of sensitivities does not threaten the art form.

In an interview with The New York Times, the VEEP actress expressed her belief that being mindful of sensitive topics is beneficial. “If you look back on comedy and drama from 30 years ago through today’s lens, you might find elements that don’t age well,” Louis-Dreyfus said. “Having an antenna for sensitivities is not a bad thing. It doesn’t mean that all comedy is lost.”

Louis-Dreyfus acknowledged the frustration some feel about political correctness but sees complaints about it as a potential red flag. “I understand why people might push back on it, but to me, it sometimes signals something else. Being aware of certain sensitivities is important. I don’t know how else to say it.”

Her comments follow those of her Seinfeld co-star, Jerry Seinfeld, who recently criticized the “extreme left” for diminishing comedy on TV. “It used to be that you could come home and watch shows like Cheers, MASH, Mary Tyler Moore, and All in the Family, and expect some good laughs,” Seinfeld said on The New Yorker Radio Hour podcast. “Now, where is it? This is what happens with the extreme left and PC culture, where people are too worried about offending others.”

Louis-Dreyfus did not directly address Seinfeld’s remarks but offered a different perspective, calling the current climate “fantastic.” She added, “I reserve the right to boo anyone who says something offensive while also respecting their right to free speech.”