Caitlyn Jenner responds to Ricky Gervais Golden Globe joke controversy
Caitlyn Jenner responded to the controversy surrounding the joke Ricky Gervais made at her expense at the Golden Globes last Sunday, saying that the comedian – who has hosted the annual awards show four times – should be replaced by herself at next year’s ceremony.
While promoting the new season of I Am Cait at the Television Critics Association tour in Pasadena, Calfornia, Jenner finally broke her silence to reporters, Entertaiment Weekly reports.
“On Ricky, I think what I’m going to do is call the Golden Globes and see if they need a new host for next year,” said Jenner.
“And we’ll solve that problem.”
It was during his now infamous opening monologue that Gervais joked about Jenner’s public transition last year, and her involvement with a manslaughter lawsuit following a fatal road accident. Gervais told the crowd of Hollywood A-listers that while he “had changed”, it was “not as much as Bruce Jenner”.
“Now Caitlyn Jenner of course. What a year she’s had,” said Gervais.
“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 you can’t do everything.
The exchanges between the stars all point to the beginnings of a heavy celebrity spat. Yet Gervais is not one to shy away from expressing and defending a polarising opinion.
He called those who were outraged about his comments towards Jenner a “pack of whiny c****”, and defended his comments, saying “a joke about Caitlyn Jenner is automatically transphobic is like suggesting a joke about Bill Cosby is automatically racist”.
Hosting The Globes has made me want to do a new stand up show next year. Now THAT'S when you're allowed to be offended. You whiney cunts 🙂
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 12, 2016
Suggesting a joke about Caitlin Jenner is automatically transphobic is like suggesting a joke about Bill Cosby is automatically racist.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 12, 2016
While Jenner had nothing further to say on the matter, she told reporters she didn’t want to be perceived as a role model or spokesperson for the transgender community.
“I’m only a spokesman for me and my story,” she said.
“I have so much to learn in this community.”
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