Ricky Gervais responds to critics: Teasing ‘privileged people’ is not right-wing

The comedian received praise for his performance as the host of the awards show, but there were still some who were upset about his jokes. “The #GoldenGlobes mood was already sober thanks to an impeachment, threat of war with Iran and Australian bush fires,” Lorraine Ali, a Los Angeles Times film critic, wrote Monday. “The last thing anyone needed was Ricky Gervais there, telling them they sucked.”

Writer Mark Harris claimed that the host was using “right-wing” talking points in the way he talked about Hollywood. “The idea that celebrities are not only pampered babies but hypocrites who cause the problems they make speeches deploring and should therefore shut up and act/sing/be grateful is a right-wing talking point, and an especially stupid one,” he wrote.

Gervais, 58, also laughed at an article by the Independent that claimed he “cheapened” the Golden Globes by joking about the worthlessness of political statements made on stage. During the awards show, the comedian joked that the actors and actresses in attendance would call their agent “if ISIS started a streaming service.”

“If you do win an award tonight, don’t use it as a platform to make a political speech,” Gervais said. “You’re in no position to lecture the public about anything. You know nothing about the real world.”

This was the fifth time Gervais has hosted the Golden Globes, and he repeatedly said it would be the last time.