Judi Dench criticizes trigger warnings as ‘mollycoddling’

Actress Judi Dench has criticized the increasing use of trigger warnings in theater and film, describing the practice as ‘mollycoddling’ audiences. In an extract from her memoir, ‘Is It Too Late To Make A Run for It?’, published by The Times, the 91-year-old actress argued that content advisories have gone too far.

Dench suggested that while warnings for strobe lighting, gunshots, and age restrictions for children are appropriate, excessive advisories may strip away the element of surprise and enjoyment from a story. She noted that if warnings become too extensive, they could potentially become longer than the productions themselves.

Dench expressed a desire to be ‘triggered, excited, stimulated, provoked and disturbed’ by art, stating that being taken out of one's comfort zone is what makes performing arts thrilling. Additionally, she noted that she has no current plans to retire from acting.