On Friday, comedian Ricky Gervais was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking a milestone in the career of the 63-year-old British actor and writer best known for The Office. At the ceremony in Los Angeles, Gervais appeared relaxed and casual, sporting a black T-shirt, jeans, and sunglasses as he posed by the iconic landmark.
During his acceptance speech, Gervais expressed genuine surprise at receiving the prestigious honor, joking about his place among the many legendary figures commemorated on the Walk of Fame. However, the mood shifted when he mentioned controversial personalities such as Michael Jackson, Bill Cosby, and Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle—each linked to serious allegations.
“Thank you so much for this honor. It’s a genuine thrill to be part of such an exclusive club,” Gervais said, according to Variety. “And just looking around earlier at all the other stars, absolute icons, you know? Michael Jackson, Bill Cosby, Fatty Arbuckle.”
While only Cosby was convicted—and later had his conviction overturned—all three have been at the center of significant legal disputes. Gervais’s choice to reference them sparked unease among some attendees, given the celebratory nature of the event.
Known for his biting wit and fearless humor, Gervais began his speech with sarcastic remarks: “Wow, this is a huge surprise. I never thought I’d win this today.” He also joked about his casual outfit, saying he didn’t bother dressing up because he no longer had a suit that fit.
Acknowledging his comedic approach, Gervais described his work as “not being very good at taking things too seriously,” even as he tried to balance humor with moments of sincerity.
This latest controversy follows a pattern for Gervais, who sparked widespread debate during his 2020 Golden Globes monologue. His pointed critiques of Hollywood elites, so-called “woke” celebrities, and high-profile figures like Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew attracted both criticism and praise.
Despite the backlash, Gervais remains unapologetic. After the Golden Globes, he thanked his supporters with a simple message: “Make jokes, not war.”