Comedian Ricky Gervais is pushing back against criticism of his anti-trans and offensive jokes, saying he believes he has a right to make them. Speaking on BBC This Cultural Life with host John Wilson, Gervais was asked about stand-up material targeting trans people, disabled people, and fat bodies. Wilson noted, “It’s almost like you haven’t changed in parallel with the times.”
Gervais replied, “That’s probably true, but that’s because I think I’m right…I have a right to talk about those things,” and said he stands by past jokes, though he would consider trigger warnings. Gervais also rejected responsibility for how others interpret his comedy. His recent work, including the Netflix special Super Nature, has drawn sustained criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and critics alike.
