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Tags: ricky gervais | psa | celebrities | anti-racism | diversity | twitter

Ricky Gervais Mocks Celebrities Speaking Out in Anti-racism Campaign

gervais in a black suit and white shirt speaking at the golden globes
Ricky Gervais (Paul Drinkwater/Getty Images)

By    |   Friday, 12 June 2020 11:59 AM EDT

Comedian Ricky Gervais has taken a swipe at top celebrities who appeared in a new public service announcement speaking out against racism and denouncing police brutality. In the video entitled "I Take Responsibility," several white A-listers commit to taking a "stand against hate" while vowing to take "responsibility for turning the racist tide in America."

Gervais could not resist mocking the campaign.

"Terrible lack of diversity in this video," he posted in a tweet that included the video clip.

Followers were quick to join the comedian in poking fun at the PSA.

"Terrible lack of talent, too," a Twitter user wrote, while another replied: "Was that not the worst acting you've ever seen?"

Others viewed the video in a more serious light.

"Hollywood types like they should give all their money to people of color who have faced discrimination at their hands for centuries," a follower wrote while actor Nick Searcy commented: "white liberals in Hollywood self-segregate."

The PSA features stars like Julianne Moore, Sarah Paulson, Aaron Paul, Kristen Bell, Debra Messing, Justin Theroux, Stanley Tucci, Ke$ha and another big-names commenting on racial injustice following the death of George Floyd, who died when a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes.

"Black people are being slaughtered in the streets, killed in their own homes. These are our brothers and sisters, our friends, our family. We are done watching them die. We are no longer bystanders. We will not be idle. Enough is enough," the celebrities declare.

"Going for a jog should not be a death sentence. Sleeping in your own home should not be a death sentence. Playing video games with your nephew should not be a death sentence. Shopping in a store should not be a death sentence. Business as usual should not be life-threatening," their joint message continues.

The video concludes with the A-listers stating it is “time to take responsibility, call out hate, step up and take action."

Zoe Papadakis

Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.

© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.


TheWire
Comedian Ricky Gervais has taken a swipe at top celebrities who appeared in a new public service announcement speaking out against racism and denouncing police brutality. In the video entitled "I Take Responsibility," several white A-listers commit to taking a "stand...
ricky gervais, psa, celebrities, anti-racism, diversity, twitter
325
2020-59-12
Friday, 12 June 2020 11:59 AM
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