Rape Crisis Northern Ireland warned the joke “contributes to a culture in which rape and sexual violence can be trivialised”.
“Survivors should never be left feeling that what happened to them is something that could be laughed at, minimised or dismissed,” it added.
Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, echoed those concerns. “Reporting sexual violence and going through the courts takes enormous courage, and survivors deserve to know that the process will be treated with seriousness and respect,” she said.
Rewarding, which is due to air this autumn, stars Mr Angelone alongside Blue Lights actress Hannah McClean as a pair of support workers. The series features disabled, neurodivergent, and learning-disabled talent in key roles.
GB News has contacted Mr Angelone’s representatives for comment on Mr Gervais’s and the BBC’s latest comments. GB News has also contacted Mr Gervais’s representatives.