Ricky Gervais, the comedian known for not pulling any punches, has once again taken aim at Hollywood's A-list. The 64-year-old funnyman recently hit social media to call out stars at this year's Grammy Awards for using their acceptance speeches as political soapboxes. Gervais shared a clip from his infamous 2020 Golden Globes monologue, reminding us of his no-nonsense stance on mixing politics with award shows.
In the shared video, Gervais quipped, "If you do win an award tonight, don't use it as a political platform to make a political speech. You're in no position to lecture the public about anything. You know nothing about the real world. Most of you spent less time in school than Greta Thunberg." With his signature laugh-crying emoji in tow, he added, "They're still not listening," underscoring his point with a touch of humor.
“They’re still not listening.”
The Grammy stage was anything but quiet on social issues this year. Puerto Rican sensation Bad Bunny, who scooped up the Album of the Year award for "Debi Tirar Mas Fotos," didn't hold back. "ICE out. We're not savage. We're not animals. We're not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans," he declared, voicing concerns over U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Billie Eilish, too, threw her hat in the ring, declaring during her Song of the Year win, "No one is illegal on stolen land. F*** ICE." Her words resonated with many, capturing the growing sentiment against ICE's policies.
Adding to the night's political flair, several stars, including Justin Bieber and Joni Mitchell, sported 'ICE out' pins, making their stance visible on the Los Angeles stage. British singer Olivia Dean, who won Best New Artist, used her spotlight moment to express her pride as a granddaughter of an immigrant, celebrating bravery and supporting immigrant communities.
Gervais has never shied away from calling out celebrities, a trait that made his Golden Globes hosting gigs from 2010 to 2020 so memorable. Reflecting on those times, he admits it was "the most nerve-wracking thing I've ever done." Still, with a twinkle in his eye, he adds, "All I care about it, ‘I’ve got to do that joke well. I don’t care what they think of it. I don’t care if I’m hated. I don’t care if I have to go into hiding. I just have to say that joke well.’”
His fearless approach has made him a uniquely defining voice on award night stages, cementing his reputation as someone who isn't afraid to speak the unvarnished truth.