Golden Globes 2012: Ricky Gervais guest column
Image Credit: Paul Drinkwater/NBCHas there ever been an awards show host whose jokes came under more scrutiny than Ricky Gervais at the Golden Globes last year?
In the current issue of EW, Gervais explains the exact origins of four of the comments that drew fire.
“The simple fact is, offense is taken, not given,” Gervais writes. “It’s up to you if you’re offended or not. And remember, just because you’re offended, it doesn’t mean you’re right.”
For instance, on his gag that Sex & the City 2 stars were heavily airbrushed for the film’s poster, the comedian says, “Kim Cattrall believed this to be ageist. But she’s wrong. It’s the opposite. Why airbrush a poster of middle-aged women to make them look 25…? The joke is about bowing to societal pressure to appeal to shallow audiences.”
Gervais also tackles his jokes about Robert Downey Jr., Hugh Hefner, and celebrity Scientologists.
“Who says we can’t challenge or joke about religion?” he writes. “You have the right to believe what you want; I have the right to believe it’s ridiculous.”
For Ricky Gervais’ entire guest column, pick up the “Inside the Oscar Race” issue of Entertainment Weekly, on stands now.