Outrage Sparks Petition to Remove Offensive Material
Comedian Ricky Gervais is under fire after a recent skit on Netflix sparked outrage among viewers. The controversial segment, which jokes about terminally ill children, has led to a petition demanding its removal.
Gervais, known for his edgy and provocative style of comedy, addressed his involvement with the Make-A-Wish Foundation during a live performance. While praising the nonprofit organization for their admirable work in fulfilling the wishes of critically ill children, Gervais made inappropriate remarks that left the audience in an uproar.
One particular joke, in which Gervais claimed to ask children why they hadn’t wished to get better, drew immense criticism. The comedian added a derogatory term to his comment, which further fueled the controversy.
Since the release of a video teaser featuring the skit, a petition on Change.org has gained significant traction. Started by a parent whose child battled cancer, the petition seeks to remove Gervais’ offensive material from the streaming platform. As of now, it has garnered over 12,500 signatures, with a goal of reaching 15,000.
The description of the petition highlights the deep hurt caused by Gervais’ jokes, not just to the children battling serious illnesses, but also to their families and the entire community facing childhood cancer. The offensive remarks are seen as disrespectful and heartless.
Gervais, however, has defended his comedy, emphasizing the importance of free speech and the role of humor in addressing sensitive topics. He warned viewers ahead of the show’s release on X, stating that it covers a range of controversial subjects. He urged those who might be offended by jokes about these topics to refrain from watching.
Responding to the backlash on BBC Radio’s “Headliners” podcast, Gervais argued that offense is subjective and that people’s reactions are based on emotions rather than rational analysis. He dismissed the critiques as “toothless,” pointing out that for every person who condemns his jokes, there are countless others who support them.
As the controversy continues to unfold, Gervais faces mounting pressure from the public and calls for Netflix to take action. Representatives for Gervais and the streaming platform have yet to comment on the matter.