Ricky Gervais has returned to social media for the first time since his latest Netflix special, Mortality, bagged him the Golden Globe for best stand-up performance.
However, it isn’t the win itself that has garnered attention as actor and comedian Wanda Sykes was accused of being “out of touch” as she delivered a barbed acceptance speech on Mr Gervais’ behalf.
The 61-year-old American comic seized the moment to offer thanks that Mr Gervais himself would never give, declaring: “He would like to thank God and the trans community.”
Mr Gervais, 64, claimed the prize for his Netflix special Mortality but did not attend the Beverly Hilton event.
Golden Globes 2026: Wanda Sykes accepted Ricky’s award on his behalf | GETTY
Before revealing the winner, Ms Sykes had made clear her intentions, telling the audience she loved Mr Gervais “for not being here” because his absence meant she could accept on his behalf.
The pointed jibe referenced both Mr Gervais’s well-documented atheism and the significant backlash he faced following his 2022 Netflix special SuperNature.
That programme drew widespread criticism for its treatment of transgender people, with some rights organisations labelling the comedian “anti-trans” and “dangerous.”
Mr Gervais has previously addressed such accusations, stating: “In real life, of course, I support trans rights. I support all human rights, and trans rights are human rights.”
Ms Sykes’ comments have since sparked quite a fiery debate online between Mr Gervais’ fans and critics.
However, when he returned to X on the Monday morning after the Golden Globes, Mr Gervais decided to ignore any of the noise surrounding Ms Sykes’ speech.
Instead, Mr Gervais focused solely on his success, reposting congratulatory messages from Netflix and the Golden Globes themselves. He also reposted an article by the US publication Variety that highlighted his win.
Ms Sykes’s barbed comments weren’t exclusively reserved for The Office creator, however.
Ricky Gervais returned to social media shortly after the Wanda Sykes saga
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X
She told Bill Maher: “You give us so much, but I would love a little less. Try less.” Kevin Hart was ribbed for being “the richest guy in this category, and yet I know he wants it the most.”
Brett Goldstein received a backhanded compliment about his looks and voice, with Ms Sykes suggesting he “would’ve made a great Menendez brother.”
Kumail Nanjiani was praised for proving “that male comedians can be funny without being chubby,” while Sarah Silverman was teased about their supposed close friendship despite not speaking for five years.
The moment sparked a sharp divide on social media. Supporters hailed Ms Sykes’s intervention as “iconic” and “queen behaviour,” with one viewer posting: “Wanda Sykes bodying Ricky Gervais is what I need rn.”
Others were far less impressed. One critic wrote on X: “Wanda Sykes is a hack who can’t win her own awards, so she has to hijack a better comedian’s moment to push a tired agenda.”
Another dismissed the speech as “cringe and out of touch,” while a further detractor insisted: “Wanda Sykes is anti-humor. Ricky Gervais won the award. The end.” (sic)