The comedian pulls down social media commentary targeting award show speeches, including Hannah Einbinder’s “Free Palestine” statement.

September 16, 2025: Ricky Gervais has once again stirred conversation online—this time by deleting several posts in which he mocked acceptance speeches from the 2025 Emmy Awards. The comedian, known for his biting humor and unfiltered takes, faced immediate backlash for targeting politically charged moments, including Hannah Einbinder’s call to “Free Palestine.”

Gervais’s Deleted Posts

Shortly after the ceremony aired, Gervais shared a series of sarcastic comments on X (formerly Twitter) poking fun at stars who used their time onstage to make political statements. Among his remarks were jokes about performers being “more interested in being politicians than actors.” While his posts briefly trended, many criticized him for downplaying serious global issues.

Backlash From Fans and Activists

The strongest pushback came after Gervais mocked Einbinder’s speech. During her moment on stage, Einbinder passionately urged the audience and viewers to stand in solidarity with Palestinians, calling the conflict “a humanitarian crisis we can’t ignore.” Critics argued that Gervais’s satire trivialized her message and disrespected the broader movement for justice.

A Swift Deletion

By Tuesday morning, the posts were gone. Gervais did not offer a direct apology but hinted at the controversy in a follow-up post that read: “It’s amazing how some people can’t take a joke. Anyway, moving on.” The cryptic response only fueled further debate, with some defending his right to satirize and others calling his humor insensitive.

Gervais’s History of Provocation

This isn’t the first time Gervais has been at the center of an awards-season controversy. The comedian famously hosted the Golden Globes multiple times, earning both praise and criticism for skewering Hollywood elites. His latest episode shows he remains unwilling—or perhaps unable—to separate his comedic style from cultural flashpoints.

Larger Debate About Politics at Award Shows

The incident underscores a broader question: should award shows remain purely celebratory, or are they valid platforms for political statements? As celebrities increasingly use their stage time to address pressing issues, comedians like Gervais continue to push back with satire, often creating controversy in the process.