Ricky Gervais Under Fire for Trans Jokes in Netflix Special

    Image copyright: Netflix [via CNN]

    The Facts

    • Controversial comic Ricky Gervais has found himself in hot water over jokes featured in his just-released Netflix special "SuperNature" which have been perceived as anti-trans.

    • A few minutes into the special, Gervais makes reference to "old fashioned women, the ones with wombs."


    The Spin

    Left narrative

    Transphobia as a publicity stunt is a common occurrence and this is no different. Ricky Gervais is choosing to attack a highly marginalised group for his personal gain and Netflix audiences are right to be boycotting the service.

    Right narrative

    Comedy is an art form and censoring it would set a dangerous precedent. Everyone has their own taste, style, and preference, and the topic and content of comedic performance should not be restricted just because a minority finds it offensive.


    Metaculus Prediction


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