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Comedy

12th Jun 2023

Ricky Gervais death threats spark security overhaul ahead of UK tour Armageddon

Steve Hopkins

‘Disturbing letters have come in for him’

Ricky Gervais is reportedly boosting his security for his UK tour Armageddon after death treats over his anti-woke joke.

The Sun reported the comic’s team has ordered a full security review ahead of the tour, which starts Wednesday in Cardiff.

Gervais had a “ring of steel” at his record-breaking Hollywood Bowl gig in the US last month amid fears he could be shot while performing.

The 61-year-old’s tour is thought on controversial subjects like God, Hitler 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 outlet suggested one of the threats referred to comments he made in his SuperNature Netflix special that branded “anti-trans” by LGBTQ+ activists.

Gervais took home £1.41million at the Hollywood Bowl on May 6 — the highest-grossing single gig by a British comedian.

A source said security combed the arena before the gig and were in the crowd.

Last year comedian Dave Chappelle was attacked on stage by a man carrying a replica handgun containing a blade.

The comic was performing at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles as part of the Netflix Is A Joke comedy festival when the incident took place.

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Ricky Gervais