Ricky Gervais Criticized for Urging Celebrities to Stay Silent on ICE
Ricky Gervais sparked controversy with recent comments urging celebrities to maintain silence on political issues. His remarks follow a wave of criticisms directed at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the Grammy Awards.
Gervais’ Remarks and Celebrity Backlash
In a post on Instagram, Gervais referenced his 2020 Golden Globes monologue, where he advised award winners against using their platform for political commentary. He stated, “If you do win an award tonight, don’t use it as a platform to make a political speech.” Following the Grammy Awards, where artists like Bad Bunny and Billie Eilish spoke out against ICE, Gervais commented, “They’re still not listening.”
Criticism from Followers
The comedian faced backlash from his followers. Many pointed out the irony of quoting himself. One user stated, “It’s kind of cringe to quote yourself,” likening his behavior to someone unaware of social media etiquette.
Another follower remarked that his repeated message was growing tiresome, while others criticized his views on political engagement. In contrast, many applauded the celebrities who voiced their concerns at the Grammys. Bad Bunny, accepting his award, declared, “ICE out.” Meanwhile, Billie Eilish emphasized the importance of speaking up by stating, “No one is illegal on stolen land.”
Politicians and Celebrities Engage on ICE Issues
The Grammy stage became a platform for discussions about ICE, especially amid rising concerns about immigration policies in the U.S. Commenters echoed the sentiment that music cannot thrive if artists are oppressed by such tactics.
Gervais, known for his sharp humor and advocacy for animal rights, has previously faced criticism for his insensitive jokes regarding trans issues. In 2020, he stated that making jokes about a trans person does not inherently make one transphobic, a stance that drew mixed reactions.
Responses from Other Comedians
Gervais is not alone in his critiques of celebrity political involvement. Comedian Bill Maher recently echoed similar sentiments, urging celebrities to refrain from political commentary, suggesting it detracts from political discourse. Maher stated, “If Democrats want to win elections in the future, job one, tell the celebrities to ‘Just shut the f— up.’”
Conclusion
As the debate on celebrity engagement in political matters continues, the reactions to Gervais’ comments illustrate the divided opinions on this topic. Filmogaz.com keeps you updated on the evolving conversations surrounding entertainment and politics.
