Ricky Gervais defends his controversial comedy, says he ‘doesn’t care’ if fans are offended
Ricky Gervais has again defended his controversial comedy, telling fans he “doesn’t care” if he offends them, adding that it “makes it funnier” for him.
Gervais, 65, has long been a controversial figure due to his unapologetic take on comedy, often taking aim at topics such as female comedians, transgender rights and cancel culture.
Ricky Gervais has hosted the Golden Globes five times, ultimately deciding to stop due to a lack of creative freedom and censorship. Paul Drinkwater/NBCUniversal Media
“I don’t tell people not to be offended; I tell them I don’t care if they are. Be offended if you want, it makes it funnier for me,” Gervais said during an interview on BBC Radio 2.
“You can’t help what you’re offended by. But don’t expect me to care.”
While many accuse Gervais of actively writing jokes with the intention of offending audiences, he explained that that’s not the case.
“I never go out to offend. I just know that it’s probably gonna happen because everyone’s different,” he said.
“There’s nothing you can say, particularly anything that’s mildly interesting, or contentious, or your viewpoint, that someone somewhere won’t find offensive.”
Gervais has been doing comedy for close to 30 years now, and in that time he says that his reaction to finding out a fan is offended has changed.
While he used to be curious and ask “why” someone was offended, he said he now simply expects it.
“Now I go, ‘Yeah I know you are. I know everyone is’,” he said.
“I’ve dealt with it too much actually. I think the last couple of tours, I have dealt with cancel culture and free speech, because I felt I had to.
Gervais began his professional career in 1998 on The 111 O’Clock Show, rising to fame on The Office (UK). Getty
“Now I don’t have to anymore. I’m ignoring it all. I shouldn’t even bring it into the room.
“Those people there who have paid hundreds of pounds, they’re not offended. I can play to a million people, not one complaint.
“As soon as it goes on Netflix, to 50 million people, of course, there’s gonna be someone who doesn’t like it. What am I gonna do? It’s too late. I’ve been paid.”
Gervais is currently working on his upcoming Netflix show Alley Cats and touring his new stand-up comedy show, Work In Progress, around the UK.
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