Ricky Gervais Blasts Opponents of Free Speech
British comedian and actor Ricky Gervais took to Twitter to blast opponents of free speech.
Gervais would write, “I’m an old fashioned liberal lefty, champagne socialist type of guy. A pro-equality, opportunity-for-all, welfare state snowflake. But, if I ever defend freedom of speech on here, I’m suddenly an alt right nazi. How did that happen?”
I’m an old fashioned liberal lefty, champagne socialist type of guy. A pro-equality, opportunity-for-all, welfare state snowflake. But, if I ever defend freedom of speech on here, I’m suddenly an alt right nazi. How did that happen? pic.twitter.com/9pYrTJlQHK
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 23, 2019
Gervais has become one of the most outspoken proponents for freedom of speech especially in regards to comedy and offensive comedy.
When Kevin Hart announced he would be stepping down as host from the Oscars, Gervais was quick to make light of the situation.
The only time I’m offended by a comedian is when they apologise.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) December 7, 2018
I was talking about Kevin Hart.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) December 7, 2018
Gervais also took to the defense of fellow comedian Louis C.K. after leaked audio revealed he made jokes about the Parkland shooting survivors as well as “non-binary” individuals on New Year’s Eve.
Gervais made a couple of guest appearances on Louis C.K.’s FX show [easyazon_link identifier=”B008CPW7KG” locale=”US” tag=”boundingintocomics-20″]Louie[/easyazon_link] back in 2010.
Please stop saying “You can’t joke about anything anymore”. You can. You can joke about whatever the fuck you like. And some people won’t like it and they will tell you they don’t like it. And then it’s up to you whether you give a fuck or not. And so on. It’s a good system.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) December 31, 2018
While defending Louis C.K. and offensive comedy, Gervais made it clear he believes there is no subject out of bounds.
There is no subject out of bounds. People often get offended when they mistake the subject of a joke with the actual target. It all depends on the joke.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) December 31, 2018
As you probably guessed, I’m not a religious person, but my favourite line in The Bible is “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” It basically means “Oh, shut the fuck up. You’re a cunt too sometimes.” Thanks Jesus.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) December 31, 2018
Gervais also noted that making a joke about a subject is not the same as actually committing the act you are joking about.
Of course you can. You can joke about anything.
Just don’t actually be cruel to animals. You can joke about murdering people. Just don’t murder people. It’s really simple.— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 1, 2019
Free speech is amazing, yes.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 1, 2019
Exactly. Or get upset if someone else does find it funny.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 1, 2019
Gervais is currently a busy man. His British comedy [easyazon_link identifier=”B0002W4P98″ locale=”US” tag=”boundingintocomics-20″]The Office[/easyazon_link] just recently premiered on BBC America.
He will also continue his relationship with Netflix when his new comedy series After Life comes to the streaming platform on March 8th.
#AfterLife is coming to @Netflix around the world on March 8th.
With @KerryAGodliman @Roisinconaty @missdianemorgan @BRIANGITTINS1 @MandiDhillon @tonypaulway @gillinghamjoe @MissJoHartley @TracyAnnO #PaulKaye #DavidBradley #TomBasden #PenelopeWilton #AshleyJenson & a dog. pic.twitter.com/tiooQXVuHb— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 14, 2019
Gervais previously worked with Netflix for his comedy series [easyazon_link identifier=”B00CA59OJ6″ locale=”US” tag=”boundingintocomics-20″]Derek[/easyazon_link], the comedy film [easyazon_link identifier=”B01KOSGVIC” locale=”US” tag=”boundingintocomics-20″]David Brent: Life on the Road[/easyazon_link], and a number of stand-up specials the latest of which is [easyazon_link identifier=”B07F4HZMP6″ locale=”US” tag=”boundingintocomics-20″]Ricky Gervais: Humanity[/easyazon_link].
What do you make of Gervais comments on free speech and comedy? Do you think some subjects are off limits?
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