Ricky Gervais shocks with joke about Jimmy Savile, predicts backlash.

Ricky Gervais Predicts His Jimmy Savile Joke Could Lead to Cancellation

Ricky Gervais has stirred considerable controversy with a joke about the notorious Jimmy Savile during his new “Mortality” tour. Kicking off the tour in York, Gervais made a statement that many have found shocking. The comedian is fully aware that this joke could put him at risk of being ‘cancelled’.

Known for his provocative sense of humor, Gervais has encountered backlash previously for his audacious stand-up material, tackling sensitive topics. His latest remarks, however, were particularly cutting when he claimed he was “way worse” than the late Savile, who was revealed as a serial abuser during his life. Gervais admitted he would never commit the crimes Savile did but suggested that by merely making jokes about such subjects, he could be perceived as worse. He quipped, “Which in a way makes me worse than him. At least he gave them a chance.”

The comedian followed this up with a quip regarding Rosie Jones, a comic who has cerebral palsy, referencing her recent documentary. Gervais jested about the backlash she faced, making an inappropriate comment that has drawn ire.

Reviews of Gervais’s performance have been mixed, with some critics noting that while his themes of aging and death are prevalent throughout his set, the specific Savile joke and its implications may have crossed a line. Stephen Armstrong from The Telegraph remarked on the troubling nature of Gervais’s humor, suggesting the joke reads as cruel on paper. Conversely, Dominic Maxwell from The Times was less impressed, stating that the shock factor didn’t hold up and that Gervais’s approach came off as thin and self-serving.

As Gervais continues to challenge the boundaries of comedy with his remarks, the question remains: has he gone too far this time? Fans and critics alike are weighing in, eager to see the repercussions of his latest material. What do you think of Ricky Gervais’s humor? Join the conversation and share your views.