Ricky Gervais Fires Back: Celebrities Have No Right to Lecture, Says Comedian

CELEBRITY SHAME: Ricky Gervais Slams Hollywood Stars for Using Emmy Awards to Push Politics

Last night's Emmy Awards ceremony was supposed to be a celebration of excellence in television, but instead it devolved into a platform for celebrities to air their political views and agendas. And none other than the notorious Ricky Gervais was not having it!

The comedian and host of several high-profile award shows took to social media to share his infamous 2020 Golden Globes monologue, where he called out Hollywood stars for using award ceremonies as a way to preach politics.

"If you do win an award tonight, don't use it as a platform to make a political speech," Gervais said. "You're in no position to lecture the public about anything... You know nothing about the real world. Most of you spent less time in school than Greta Thunberg."

Gervais' message was directed squarely at several celebrities who used their acceptance speeches to promote their pet causes, including the highly politicized issue of Palestine.

Hannah Einbinder's Fiery Speech Sparks Outrage

One of the most shocking moments came when "Hacks" star Hannah Einbinder accepted her award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Instead of thanking her fellow cast members or crew, Einbinder used the opportunity to rail against the Israeli government and call for the "freedom" of Palestine.

"I'd like to take this moment to say... finally go birds, f* ICE and free Palestine," Einbinder shouted before exiting the stage.

The audience was left stunned, but Gervais was not impressed. He reposted an image from ABC News with the caption: "They're still not listening."

Javier Bardem's Outrageous Comments Spark Backlash

But Einbinder wasn't the only celebrity to make headlines for her comments on Palestine. Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem, who wore a keffiyeh around his neck in solidarity, sparked outrage with his own remarks.

The Spanish actor told Variety that he was "denouncing the genocide in Gaza" and called for a commercial and diplomatic blockade against Israel. He also revealed that he is part of a new organization, Film Workers for Palestine, which aims to boycott Israeli film companies implicated in human rights abuses.

"We are getting together Film Workers for Palestine," Bardem said. "It's a great union... We stand with those who fight and stand in solidarity with the oppressed."

Gervais Slams Celebrities for Hypocrisy

Gervais' rant was met with both praise and criticism from fans on social media, with some calling him out for hypocrisy.

"Or they just don't give a s* about your opinion," one user replied to Gervais' post.

But another fan came to the comedian's defense: "Still my favorite rant of all time... Maybe find another way to make your point!"

The Real Story Behind the Palestine Boycott

So what's really behind the push for a boycott of Israeli film companies? According to sources, the Film Workers for Palestine pledge was signed by over 1,800 entertainment industry professionals, including Emma Stone and Joaquin Phoenix.

But not all signatories agree on the boycott's motives. Einbinder clarified that she only supports boycotting institutions directly implicated in human rights abuses, not individual Israelis or Jewish people.

"I feel like it is my obligation as a Jewish person to distinguish Jews from the State of Israel," Einbinder told Deadline. "Boycotting is an effective tool to create pressure on the powers that be to meet the moment."

John Oliver's Parting Shot

The controversy continued even after the ceremony ended, with HBO's Last Week Tonight with John Oliver taking home the award for Best Writing for a Variety Series.

In his acceptance speech, O'Brien made a pointed reference to the state of late-night comedy, saying: "We share this category... while that is still a type of show that's allowed to exist."

The incident has left many questioning whether celebrity activism has gone too far. Will Gervais' scathing remarks mark the beginning of a new era in award show etiquette?

As one fan so aptly put it: "You don't need to know 'about the real world' to call out genocide. What's the alternative?"

Read more on this story at TheScholarlyNote.com!