Ricky Gervais has said “smart people” do not get offended at his jokes.
The 60-year-old comedian, known for creating The Office, has discussed his comedy style as well as his decision to cover topics that might be seen as taboo.
Speaking to Stephen Colbert during the latest episode of the US presenter’s talk show, Gervais suggested it’s important for audiences to understand and recognise the irony.
“I deal with taboo subjects because I want to take the audience to a place it hasn’t been before,” Gervais told Colber during his appearance on the show. “There is a tension.”
The comedian also went on to claim viewers that are “smart” can deal with things like irony, while those who aren’t may get offended.
He added: “I think people get offended when they mistake the subject of a joke with the actual target and smart people know you can deal with anything. Particularly when you’re dealing with something like irony.”
Gervais said he actually explains the meaning of irony to his audience “as a joke”.
The comedian, who has also been widely praised for his recent show After Life, also spoke about “celebrating the best and worst in humanity”.
He said: “That’s why comedians are obsessed with death… it’s an inoculation to the real things that are going to happen.”
Gervais is also well known for his brazen award ceremony roasts as well as for taking aim at numerous celebrities in his work.
Throughout the years the comedian has made jokes about Mel Gibson, Caitlyn Jenner and Leonardi DiCaprio among countless others.
A few months ago, the comedian also shut down claims Will Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett-Smith had a “disability” after her husband slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars.
Coming out in defence of Rock, who joked about Pinkett-Smith’s alopecia, Gervais explained his perspective during a Q&A session.
“You don’t hit people over a joke, however bad it is. And it wasn’t bad! That was like the tamest joke I would ever have told.” He said.
“Someone said it was joking about her disability...Well I’m going a bit thin, so I’m disabled. That means I can park right up next to Tescos now.”
He also said: “And I’m fat. That’s a disease, isn’t it?”
