28 December 2023 , 15:06
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An old clip of Ricky Gervais being roasted by comic James Acaster has resurfaced and dubbed 'spot on' by fans in the wake of Gervais' latest backlash.
The Office star, 62, has come under fire in recent weeks following claims of 'ableism' in his Netflix special, Armageddon. Clips from the programme have since been shared online with a scene making jokes at the 'Make-A-Wish' skit. The foundation allows terminally ill children to make one wish that can be granted.
Gervais also took aim at those getting offended over misgendering and also had another pop at the trans community in his latest special. Thousands have gone on to sign a petition to axe one of his jokes from a preview, but the star bit back at the backlash to some of his comedy claiming that ‘ninety-nine per cent of it is faux offense’.
James Acaster's 2019 clip scolding the star has resurfaced online (Universal Comedy)He did similar in stand up show Supernature, vowing to rebrand himself as 'Vicky Gervais'. After causing outrage, funnyman James recorded a sketch having a go back and it has found its way back onto social media and those who want Ricky's show edited have been quick to share it.
He said in 2019 stand-up routine for Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999: "Most edgy comics look like me, race and gender wise, they say whatever they like. Edgy comedians, no one tells them what they can and can’t say. They walk straight on stage, top of their specials sometimes, do 10 solid minutes of slagging off transgender people. Straight out the gate, just making fun of transgender people.
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"If people on the internet get upset about it, the comedian’s always like, “Bad luck! That’s my job. I’m a stand-up comedian, I’m meant to challenge people. If you don’t like being challenged, don’t watch my shows. What’s the matter guys, too challenging for you?’"
He continued: "Oh yeah, because you know who’s long been overdue a challenge? The trans community! Oh, they’ve had their guard down for too long, if you ask me. They’ll be checking their privilege on the way home now thanks to you, you brave little cis boy!"
In the skit, he reveals that throughout the coronavirus pandemic, sick children would ask for videos from him. However, Ricky said: "I always say yes. And I always start the video the same way. I go 'Why didn't you wish to get better? What, you f***ing r*****d as well?" But in a bid to prevent controversy, he added: "I don't do that either, okay. These are all jokes, alright. I don't even use that word in real life. The R word. I used it in a joke, that's not real life is it. I'm playing a role."
Shortly after Netflix dropped the Ricky Gervais special on the platform, social media users took to Twitter to slam the jokes, declaring they were "not comedy" and were just "making cheap, nasty stereotypes out of a minority group".