Ricky Gervais is stepping up security for his upcoming UK tour after receiving death threats following his anti-woke jokes, according to reports.
The English comedian, 61, is set to kick off his Armageddon stand-up tour in Cardiff on Wednesday.
Gervais previously revealed that his material will include controversial topics such as God and the culture of offence.
A source told The Sun: “Ricky has been made aware threats have been made to his life. His offices haven’t shown them to him, but have told him very disturbing letters have come in for him.
“Ricky is very aware of the dangers and he can afford whatever security he wants, so he thought it was a no-brainer,” the insider added.
One of the most recent and significant threats Gervais received came due to comments on his Netflix special show SuperNature which saw him lambasted by LGBTQ+ activists who accused him of being “anti-trans”.
The source told the publication that security combed the arena before the gig and were even in the crowd.
He also took a pop at gender non-binary singer Sam Smith earlier this year on social media over their choice of BRIT Award outfit.
Adding to his concerns, the controversial comic is highly aware of last year’s incident with American comedian Dave Chappelle, who was attacked on stage by a man carrying a replica handgun containing a blade.
The Standard has contacted a representative for Ricky Gervais for comment.
