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“We checked out the Ricky Gervais ‘Comedy’ special on Netflix so you don’t have to.”
Comedian and actor Ricky Gervais has a new special, supernaturalon Netflix starting today.
Derek Storm / Everett Collection
During the special, Ricky makes several lewd jokes about trans people. At one point, he actually claims to “support trans rights” — before ending with another joke about trans people.
Steven Ferdman / courtesy of the Everett Collection
“Full disclosure: in real life, of course, I support trans rights,” he says. “I support all human rights, and trans rights are human rights. live your best life Use your favorite pronouns. Be the gender you feel you are. But meet me halfway, ladies: lose your tail. That’s all I’m saying.”
People are understandably upset, and this afternoon GLAAD released a statement condemning the special’s “anti-gay rhetoric.” a series of tweets.
We checked out the Ricky Gervais ‘Comedy’ special on Netflix so you don’t have to. It’s full of graphic, dangerous anti-trans rants masquerading as jokes. He also spreads anti-gay rhetoric & spreads false information about HIV. 1/4
@glaad / Via Twitter: @glaad
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“We checked out the Ricky Gervais ‘Comedy’ special on Netflix so you don’t have to,” the statement began. He also disseminates anti-gay rhetoric and disseminates inaccurate information about HIV.”
Mike Marsland/Getty Images/WireImage
“Attention Ricky and Netflix: People living with HIV today, with effective treatment, live long and healthy lives and cannot transmit HIV to others.”
David M Benett/Getty Images
“Netflix has a policy that content intended to incite hatred or violence is not allowed on their platform, but we all know that anti-LGBTQ content does just that. Despite being home to some groundbreaking LGBTQ shows, Netflix refuses to enforce its own comedy policy.”
Ian West – PA Images / PA Images via Getty Images
“The LGBTQ community and our allies have made it very clear that so-called comedians who spew hate instead of humor and the media companies that give them a platform will be held accountable. There’s now LOTS of funny LGBTQ comedian support out there.”
Dee Cercone / Everett Collection
This isn’t the first time Netflix — and a comedian whose work is primarily seen on Netflix — has faced backlash from GLAAD (and the LGBTQ+ community at large) over objectionable content.
Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Netflix
Last October, GLAAD also spoke out against Dave Chappelle’s controversial Netflix special The nearerwhich also contained anti-trans comments from the comedian.
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“Negative reviews and viewers vocally condemning his latest special is a message to the industry that audiences do not support spreading anti-LGBTQ diatribes,” GLAAD said in a statement back then. “Are we in agreement.”
Dave Chappelle’s brand has become synonymous with ridiculing trans people and other marginalized communities. Negative reviews and viewers vocally condemning his latest special are a message to the industry that audiences do not support the anti-LGBTQ diatribe platform. Do we agree. https://t.co/yOIyT54819
@glaad / Via Twitter: @glaad
