Wanda Sykes Dedicates Ricky Gervais' Golden Globe Win To 'God And The Trans Community'

US comedian Wanda Sykes threw some shade in Ricky Gervais’ direction while presenting an award at this year’s Golden Globes.

During Sunday night’s ceremony, Wanda introduced the contenders in the Best Stand-Up Special category, and took a brief moment to roast all of the comedians that had been nominated, including Brett Goldstein (“you’re handsome, you’ve got that great super villain voice, and you are charming – you would’ve made a great Menendez brother”), Kumail Nanjiani (“you prove that male comedians can be funny without being chubby”), Kevin Hart (“the richest guy in this category, and yet I know he wants it the most”), Sarah Silverman (“we haven’t talked in five years, but we are so close”) and Bill Maher (“you give us so much, but I would love a little less”).

When it came to Ricky Gervais, she jokingly thanked him for “not being here”.

After this comment drew applause from the audience, Wanda quickly added: “No, I love you, Ricky. Because if you win, I get to accept the award on your behalf. And you’re going to thank God. And the trans community.”

Ricky – a staunch atheist – has come under fire in recent years over comments he’s made about transgender people in his stand-up routines, including from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and even some of his fellow comedians here in the UK.

True to her word, when Ricky was revealed as the recipient of the Best Stand-Up Special award, Wanda accepted the prize on his behalf, reiterating that it was dedicated to both God and the trans community.

In the past, Ricky has defended his right to make light of what he described as “taboo subjects” in his act.

He insisted back in 2022: “I think that’s what comedy is for, really - to get us through stuff, and I deal in taboo subjects because I want to take the audience to a place it hasn’t been before, even for a split second.

“Most offence comes from when people mistake the subject of a joke with the actual target.”

Earlier this month, Ricky told the BBC: “I have a right to talk about those things. And there are jokes I certainly stand by.”

Help and support: 

• The Gender Trust supports anyone affected by gender identity | 01527 894 838
• Mermaids offers information, support, friendship and shared experiences for young people with gender identity issues | 0208 1234819
• LGBT Youth Scotland is the largest youth and community-based organisation for LGBT people in Scotland. Text 07786 202 370
• Gires provides information for trans people, their families and professionals who care for them | 01372 801554
• Depend provides support, advice and information for anyone who knows, or is related to, a transsexual person in the UK