Ricky Gervais has reiterated his stance against calls to modify his provocative comedy, emphasizing that free speech should not be curtailed.The comedian, known for his sharp wit and controversial takes on politics, gender identity, and celebrities, dismissed accusations that he intentionally provokes audiences.During a recent BBC Radio 2 interview, Gervais stated, 'I don't tell people not to be offended; I tell them I don't care if they are.Be offended if you want, it makes it funnier for me.' He argued that virtually any opinion can offend someone, noting that audiences today are more sensitive to criticism than in previous decades.
Gervais also criticized celebrities who use award shows as platforms for political statements, urging them to focus on their craft rather than public discourse.
Despite facing backlash for his views, Gervais claims that his live performances rarely draw complaints, attributing the controversy to online audiences who access his content after it is released on streaming platforms.His comments reflect a broader debate about the boundaries of free speech in entertainment and the role of comedians in society.
Original title: Ricky Gervais rejects calls to tone down comedy: 'Be offended if you want'
The AI system has determined that this news is clickbait/sensationalist: : The original title uses provocative language and exaggerated phrasing ('Be offended if you want') to sensationalize Gervais's defense of free speech, which is more clickbait than factual. This has coincided with the opinion of the majority of users.