Ricky Gervais’ most controversial moments ever: from defending Chris Rock’s alopecia Oscars joke to ‘transphobic’ tweets and new Netflix special SuperNature

May 31 , 2022

Ricky Gervais has dissed Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith, the British royals, Hollywood’s elite and more ... but which are his most shocking moments?. Photo: Invision/AP

The British comedian loves filter-free jokes, and has made headlines at the Golden Globes, where he’s poked fun at Prince Andrew, Leonardo DiCaprio and James Corden

He’s made cracks at the British royal family and Catholic Church, which often raises eyebrows, but it doesn’t faze him: he often takes to Twitter to clap back

Whether you love his humour or can’t stand his shtick, Ricky Gervais is one of the most notable comic names out there. To fans, his jokes are the epitome of biting satire and British wit – but as with all edgy comedy, the lines of good taste are frequently blurred.

The British comedian and actor is bold, blunt and apparently unafraid of sharing his thoughts on any topic: no matter how unpopular or brutal they may seem.

Most recently, his new Netflix special SuperNature dropped on May 24, and Gervais has stirred the pot once again, this time by mocking transgender women.

Throughout his career, the star has made headlines for his “unwoke” commentary, and he only continues to add to the uproar. Here are a few other instances where the 60-year-old comic has caused a world of drama with his unfiltered public statements.

You don’t hit people over a joke, however bad it is. And it wasn’t bad! That was like the tamest joke I would ever have told

Ricky Gervais on Will Smith’s Oscar slap

That time he upset the Golden Globes

Ricky Gervais at the 77th Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, US in January 2020. Photo: Reuters

Gervais’ disdain for Hollywood isn’t exactly a secret. In fact, the English comedian has been very vocal about his dislike for the showbiz industry on multiple occasions. So when he was asked back host the Golden Globe Awards for a fifth time, on the basis of previous form, it was obvious that he wasn’t going to hold back on some controversial jokes.

In his opening monologue, Gervais insulted a bunch of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Martin Scorsese and James Corden, as well Prince Andrew, the late Jeffrey Epstein and even the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.