Ricky Gervais riles critics with cheeky update about Netflix special

Actor and comedian Ricky Gervais has riled his critics by thanking "everyone who complained" about his Netflix stand-up special Armageddon.

The show, released on Christmas Day last year, drew criticism from a disability charity for using an ableist slur, and a petition on Change.org condemned his use of the term "baldy" to describe terminally ill children. Gervais responded to the backlash, stating that most people are "not really offended".

In a recent post on X, he shared a clip from the special, joking about immigration, and wrote: "Thanks to everyone who complained about this trailer and even signed a petition to get #Armageddon removed from Netflix. You helped it win a Golden Globe & become the most watched special in the world."

Armageddon won the Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television award at the Golden Globes, beating out favourites like Chris Rock and Trevor Noah.

The 63-year-old shot to fame playing office manager David Brent in the hit BBC Two show, The Office, back in 2001 and has seen his career go from strength to strength ever since.

Created alongside friend and fellow actor and comedian Stephen Merchant, it has gone on to be sold to broadcasters in over 80 countries and following its success, American media company NBC created a US version, also named The Office starring Steve Carell as David Brent's counterpart, Michael Scott.

There is now an Australian version set to launch on 18th October on Prime Video, starring actress Felicity Ward as Ricky’s David Brent character. In a recent press interview, Felicity assured fans that Ricky Gervais had personally approved her casting. She said: “Ricky Gervais has approved a female lead, he’s very excited about a female lead — just in case anyone is angry.”

People rushed to respond to Ricky's tweet with many praising The Office legend. One fan gushed: “I love people who try to cancel Ricky, they’re so great at maximising coverage, they ensure I never miss a clip!”

Another user added: “People are so weird. Don't watch it if you are offended but don't try and stop me from watching it.” And a third person enthused: “I would call Ricky a national treasure, but he isn’t. He’s a global treasure! Sending admiration from USA.”