Ricky Gervais has once again made it clear that he has no intention of changing his comedy to satisfy critics, insisting that public outrage has never influenced the way he performs. During a recent radio interview, the comedian defended his long-standing stance on free speech, arguing that while people are free to take offense, he is equally free not to be concerned by it.
Speaking on BBC Radio 2, the 65-year-old comic addressed years of criticism surrounding his stand-up material, which has often sparked debate over jokes involving politics, gender identity, religion and celebrities. According to Page Six, Gervais said backlash has never been a reason for him to alter his approach—and if anything, he finds it amusing.
Other comedians have also recently faced significant backlash over their own festival appearances. To know more, read our article Riyadh Comedy Festival 2025 Lineup: Full List of Artists and the Backlash They Faced
Ricky Gervais says backlash only makes his comedy “funnier”
During the interview, Gervais explained that he never tells people they cannot be offended by his jokes. Instead, he believes audiences are entitled to their feelings, but he does not feel obligated to change his work because of them.
“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,” Gervais said during his appearance on BBC Radio 2.
Although his comedy has frequently generated headlines over controversial topics, Gervais rejected the suggestion that provoking audiences is his goal.
“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 also argued that almost any opinion has the potential to offend 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,” he added.
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Comedian says changing times have altered audience reactions
Reflecting on how public responses have evolved over the past two decades, Gervais said he believes people are now quicker to express offense than they once were.
“And times have changed. 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 frequently discussing cancel culture and free speech during recent stand-up tours, Gervais suggested he is now ready to leave those conversations behind.
“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 said.
He added, “I’m ignoring it all. I shouldn’t even bring it into the room. Those people there who’ve paid hundreds of pounds — they’re not offended. I can play to a million people, not one complaint.”
Another comedian has recently landed a much talked-about Netflix special of his own. To know more, read our article Katt Williams Unleashes “The Last Report” on Netflix: Release Date, Reactions, Celebrity Roasts, and What Makes It His Most Explosive Special Yet
Why Ricky Gervais believes criticism grows after Netflix releases
Gervais insisted the strongest criticism rarely comes from people attending his live shows. Instead, he believes the reaction increases once his stand-up specials reach a global streaming 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.”
| Detail | Information |
| Comedian | Ricky Gervais |
| Age | 65 |
| Interview | BBC Radio 2 |
| Main Topic | Free speech and controversial comedy |
| Key Point | Says he does not care if people are offended |
| Streaming Platform Mentioned | Netflix |
| Reported By | Page Six |
According to Page Six, Gervais has consistently defended free speech throughout his career and has repeatedly argued that comedians should not avoid controversial subjects simply because some viewers may object.
Earlier this year, he reignited debate by reposting one of the most talked-about lines from his 2020 Golden Globe Awards opening monologue, once again criticizing celebrities who use awards shows to make political statements.
“If you do win an award tonight, don’t use it as a platform to make a political speech,” Gervais told the audience.
He continued:
“You’re in no position to lecture the public about anything. You know nothing about the real world. Most of you spent less time in school than Greta Thunberg.”
After reposting the quote on X, Gervais added another pointed remark:
“They’re still not listening.”
The latest interview reinforces the comedian’s position that, despite ongoing criticism, he has no plans to soften his material and remains committed to performing the comedy he wants to create, regardless of the reaction it receives.
Another comedian recently made headlines of his own after setting a major world record at a packed stadium event. To know more, read our article Shane Gillis Just Made Comedy History at the Eagles’ Stadium—The Final Guinness Numbers Are Even Bigger Than First Reported
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