'Their offence will be justified': Gervais plans to attack celebs at Globes

Herald online

17 Nov, 2011 07:55 PM2 mins to read

Ricky Gervais says the offence he caused while hosting the Golden Globes earlier this year will be nothing compared to next year's event.

The British comedian has been confirmed as the host of the annual awards show for the third "and final" year in a row in January, and this time he promises not to hold back.

The 50-year-old comedian posted a YouTube clip on his Twitter page of his biting opening monologue from the 2011 show, promising "This (times) 10".

Gervais sparked controversy for his put-downs and jokes at the expense of some of the film industry's biggest names - including Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp - in the past two years of presenting the awards.

Robert Downey Jr said during this year's ceremony: "Aside from the fact that it's been hugely mean-spirited, with mildly sinister undertones, I'd say the vibe of the show is pretty good so far, wouldn't you?"

But in his blog, Gervais said any outrage after this year's event was "totally out of proportion".

He claimed he didn't say anything that "anyone had any right to be offended" by.

"This year I'm going to make sure their offence is completely justified," Gervais wrote.

"The best thing about it is writing the gags. I love writing one liners. Particularly when they can't be used in any other context. It gives them a special weight on the night if you know what I mean."

Gervais admitted hosting the awards again had been a tough decision, but he decided to do it to prove people wrong who said he'd never be asked to do it again.

"There were many pros and cons. I loved doing it, but I was worried that I couldn't improve on last year ... I knew some people would be uncomfortable with me being host.

"What actually tipped the balance and made me say yes, was the fact that it would shut up all those idiots who said that I'd never be invited back.