Ricky Gervais has drawn criticism for promoting his YouTube channel and tour on social media just hours after his "The Office" co-star, Lucy Davis, announced her stage four breast cancer diagnosis.
Davis, 53, revealed on Tuesday evening that her cancer is incurable, has spread to her bones, and that she "doesn't know how long she has left." Gervais offered support in the comments section of her announcement with a heart emoji. His partner, Jane Fallon, was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year.
However, many social media users perceived Gervais's subsequent posts about his own work as insensitive. Approximately four hours after Davis shared her news, Gervais posted on X, formerly Twitter, asking followers to subscribe to his YouTube channel for "live broadcasts every Sunday." He also reshared posts about his Netflix show "Alleycats."
Commenters on X expressed dismay, with one user writing, "Bit tone deaf. Former co worker on one of the most successful pieces of work you've been involved in, revealed she is terminally ill, and you're posting this stuff all evening." Others echoed this sentiment, questioning his awareness and asking him to "show some respect."
Davis, who played Dawn Tinsley in the UK version of "The Office," shared her diagnosis in an Instagram post. She detailed discovering a "tiny, hard spot" in her breast a year and a half ago and urged others not to ignore potential symptoms. Despite the cancer being incurable, Davis stated she is "at peace with whatever comes next" and is focusing on living her remaining life in a positive way, emphasizing the importance of humor and not being treated as a sick person.
She also shared an emotional video of herself ringing a cancer treatment bell, noting that chemotherapy is too late for her. Davis continues to advocate for animal rights and intends to keep working, highlighting acting as a significant joy in her life. She acknowledged the difficulty of her situation for her family and expressed a wish for those on a similar journey.
Other notable figures, including "The Office US" star Jenna Fischer, Amanda Abbington, Piers Morgan, and Ulrika Jonsson, offered messages of support and love to Davis. Fischer, who herself battled breast cancer, wrote, "Beautiful post. Love you lots. And yes to working with cancer! Let's spread that message far and wide! How working is such a comfort!"
Breast Cancer Now issued a statement through Sally Kum, expressing sorrow for Davis's diagnosis and emphasizing the ongoing need for research and better treatments for metastatic breast cancer. The charity thanked Davis for her openness, stating her story highlights the reality of the disease and the necessity for continued investment in its research and treatment.
Davis, daughter of comedian Jasper Carrott, has a history of health challenges, including a kidney transplant in 1997 and a past struggle with bulimia, which she has spoken about openly. She was previously married to actor Owain Yeoman from 2006 to 2011.