An LGBTQ+ rights advocacy organization attacks Ricky Gervais’ latest comedy special released on Netflix.
The LGBTQ+ rights advocacy organization known as GLAAD has harshly criticized the last special of Netflix of the comedian Ricky Gervais. The show, titled SuperNature, has been described by the association as “dangerous” and “anti-trans”. This British comedian is internationally known for being the creator of the mockumentary office on which the American version was inspired. Throughout his career, Ricky Gervais has been no stranger to controversy. His sense of humor is incendiary and he pushes the limits. Because of this, he has frequently caused outrage.
the so-called Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has spoken out to denounce the latest Netflix special starring Ricky Gervais. In a statement obtained through Variety, the LGBTQ+ rights advocacy association calls the special “dangerous” and says it’s based on “disparaging transsexuals by disguising it as a joke.” GLAAD also accuses the British comedian of “uttering anti-gay slurs” and “spreading inaccurate information about HIV.”
They accuse the comedian of hiding hate in his humor
“We watched the Ricky Gervais ‘comedy’ special on Netflix so you guys don’t,” the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation begins the speech. “It’s full of graphic, dangerous, anti-trans diatribes disguised as jokes. It also spouts anti-gay rhetoric and spreads inaccurate information about HIV. Important: People living with HIV today, when treated effectively, lead long and healthy lives and cannot pass HIV on to others.”
After denouncing the new Ricky Gervais comedy special, GLAAD’s statement goes on to criticize Netflix for hosting such content and refusing to enforce its own hate speech policy. They say that the streaming platform has allowed “alleged comedians to spit hate instead of humor.” Although not mentioned, the association is probably referring to the comic Dave Chappellewhose recent special The Closer it was met with a similar backlash and even sparked company-wide strikes and protests.
Netflix CEO, Ted Sarandos, supported the Dave Chappelle special. He said he supports the “creative freedom” of comedians while encouraging his employees to “disagree openly” about Chappelle’s show. We assume that he will spend something similar with Ricky Gervais.
