In a stunning irony, a documentary about free speech has itself been silenced—and the backlash is fierce. A London cinema has sparked outrage by canceling the premiere of a film that dares to explore the rise of censorship in Britain, citing a mismatch with its values. But here’s where it gets controversial: the film, Think Before You Post, had already been released, and the speakers for the Q&A were featured in it. So, was this a genuine oversight, or a deliberate act of suppression? Spiked Online Editor Tom Slater isn’t holding back. Speaking to GB News, he slammed Rich Mix theatre for its decision, declaring, ‘We’re determined not to be silenced.’
The documentary, which hit screens a few weeks ago, dives into chilling stories of ordinary Britons facing arrest, prosecution, and even remand over social media posts. From a couple in Borehamwood arrested for an online dispute with their daughter’s school to a Telegraph columnist visited by police over year-old tweets, the film puts a human face on the growing free speech crisis. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about high-profile cases—it’s about the chilling effect on all of us. Slater warns, ‘We need to be braver, both in speaking our minds and standing up to state overreach.’
But the controversy doesn’t end there. Rich Mix claims the content and speakers ‘do not align with our values,’ yet Slater points out the obvious: ‘Clearly, free speech isn’t one of those values.’ The irony? A film about censorship being censored. And the plot thickens: the venue was booked after the film’s release, and the Q&A speakers were already known. So, was this a case of ignorance or intentional suppression? Slater quips, ‘The irony is not lost on us, but it’s certainly lost on Rich Mix.’
As the debate rages, one question lingers: Is Britain’s cultural sector truly committed to diversity of opinion, or is it selectively silencing voices it disagrees with? Slater isn’t backing down. He’s racing to secure a new venue for the premiere, vowing to hold it on the same night. ‘We’re determined not to be silenced,’ he insists. But the bigger question remains: Are we witnessing a woke crackdown on free speech, or is this a necessary boundary for public discourse? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going.
