Comedian Ricky Gervais has reiterated his stance on free speech, stating he has no intention of altering his comedy to avoid offending audiences. Gervais believes that backlash can even enhance the humor of his material, telling BBC Radio 2, "Be offended if you want, it makes it funnier for me."
Gervais, whose stand-up specials often draw criticism for jokes touching on politics, gender identity, religion, and celebrities, denies intentionally provoking viewers. "You can't help by what you're offended by, but … don't expect me to care… It's a myth that I go out to offend. I never go out to offend," he said. "I just know that it's probably going to happen because everyone's different."
He argued that nearly any statement can be found offensive by someone. "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 explained. He noted that audiences today seem quicker to take offense compared to two decades ago. "Twenty years ago, if someone said I was offended by that, I probably would go, 'Why?' Now I go… 'I know you are. Everyone is.'"
Despite the ongoing debate surrounding his work, Gervais suggested he is moving past the topic of cancel culture and free speech in his stand-up. "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. Now I don't have to," he stated. He indicated that those attending his live shows are not offended and that complaints primarily arise after his specials are released online to a wider audience.
"As soon as it goes on Netflix, 50 million people. Of course, there's going to be someone who doesn't like it. What am I going to do? It's too late. I've been paid," Gervais commented.
He previously addressed controversy by reposting a line from his 2020 Golden Globe monologue, where he advised award recipients not to use the stage for political speeches, citing their lack of real-world understanding. Gervais added his own commentary to the repost, suggesting, "They're still not listening."