Ricky Gervais' relationship with the Golden Globes has often been messy. The comedian's propensity for jokes that push the envelope has left producers and industry executives uncomfortable, despite the ratings that Gervais is able to attract. Although the comedian said he'd never do it again, Gervais hosted the 2016 Golden Globes to mixed reviews. While some welcomed his edgy, politically incorrect comedy, others were offended by his insensitivity and mocking remarks. Although this should be expected by Gervais by now, the comedian apparently still has the ability to shock audiences. Among the offended was reality star and recent LGBTQ icon Caitlyn Jenner. Jenner was offended by Gervais's comments at the Golden Globes and called for his replacement in next year's ceremony.
Gervais made a handful of jokes at Jenner's expense during the evening, even mocking the car accident in which she was involved. Gervais jested that the incident "didn't do a lot for female drivers."
In a press conference for the second season of the E! Network reality show I am Cait, Jenner responded to Gervais' taunts.
"On Ricky, I think what I'm gonna do is call the Golden Globes and see if they need a new host for next year," Ms. Jenner said at the Television Critics Tour in Pasadena, California according to EW. "And we'll solve that problem."
Gervais faced further backlash over the car accident joke from many on Twitter and elsewhere. This prompted the comedian to tweet a defense of his intentionally humorous observation. He wrote, "Suggesting a joke about Caitlin Jenner is automatically transphobic is like suggesting a joke about Bill Cosby is automatically racist."
Gervais, like many other comedians, is at the forefront of the debate over political correctness in comedy. While many feel that no topic should be off limits in terms of humor, others find that certain jokes trigger memories of traumatic experiences or make them feel alien and disrespected. This chasm between comedians and audiences has caused some funnymen to cancel their dates at politically sensitive universities.
