Already have an account?
Get back to the

Ricky Gervais: My Caitlyn Jenner Golden Globes Joke Was Not Transphobic!

Ricky Gervais doesn’t mind if you’re offended, as long as you’re offended for the right reasons. The 73rd annual Golden Globes host received a lot of criticism for his joke about trans activist and Olympian Caitlyn Jenner on Sunday’s show, but he thinks the response is misplaced.

Related: PHOTOS: Golden Globes 2016 Red Carpet Fashion: What the Stars Wore

“I’m going to be nice tonight. I’ve changed. Not as much as Bruce Jenner, obviously. Now Caitlyn Jenner, of course,” Gervais said during his opening monologue. “What a year she’s had. She became a role model for trans people everywhere, showing great bravery in breaking down barriers and destroying stereotypes. She didn’t do a lot for women drivers, but …”

Some viewers immediately labeled the joke as “transphobic,” which Gervais, 54, disputed on Twitter on Tuesday, January 12.

Ricky Gervais speaks onstage during the 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards.
Ricky Gervais speaks onstage during the 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards.

“Suggesting a joke about Caitlin [sic] Jenner is automatically transphobic is like suggesting a joke about Bill Cosby is automatically racist,” he tweeted.

Related: PHOTOS: Golden Globes 2016 Afterparties: Inside the Star-Studded Bashes!

When one viewer argued that Gervais was mocking Jenner’s transition, he replied, “But it WAS Bruce Jenner who changed. Into Caitlyn Jenner. And I respect that. Just not her driving.”

He went on to clarify: “I made a joke about Caitlyn Jenner killing someone in her car. I’m #TransportPhobic.”

Caitlyn Jenner attends Glamour's 25th Anniversary Women Of The Year Awards.
Caitlyn Jenner attends Glamour’s 25th Anniversary Women Of The Year Awards.

Related: PHOTOS: Golden Globes 2016 Beauty Breakdown: Red Carpet Hair, Makeup Looks

The January 10 show marked Gervais’ fourth as host, and no star was off limits. He mocked everyone from Mel Gibson to Ben Affleck, even singling out some stars in the audience like Jennifer Lawrence.

Tell Us: Were you offended by Ricky Gervais’ Caitlyn Jenner joke?

In this article

Got a Tip form close button
Got a tip for US?
We're All Ears for Celebrity Buzz!