Ricky Gervais defends “taboo” jokes following backlash to Netflix special

nme.com:

Ricky Gervais has defended making jokes about “taboo subjects” following the backlash to his Netflix special SuperNature.The comedian has faced criticism over “transphobic” jokes in the special that was released on Tuesday (May 24), with LGBT rights organisation GLAAD describing the show as “full of graphic, dangerous, anti-trans rants masquerading as jokes”.Speaking on BBC’s The One Show following SuperNature’s release, Gervais echoed his comments from a recent appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.“I think that’s what comedy is for, really – to get us through stuff, and I deal in taboo subjects because I want to take the audience to a place it hasn’t been before, even for a split second,” Gervais said.“Most offence comes from when people mistake the subject of a joke with the actual target.”"I want to take the audience to a place they haven't been before." @rickygervais doesn't shy away from taboo subjects.