Comedian Lolly Adefope recently addressed her mock standing ovation for Ricky Gervais at last year’s National Comedy Awards, clarifying that she does not regret the joke. Adefope attended the ceremony at London’s Roundhouse last February, where her show Ghosts was nominated for Best Scripted Comedy. Gervais’ After Life scooped up the award, although he was not in attendance to receive it. Adefope’s standing ovation garnered attention, with many interpreting it as a dig at Gervais and his show.
Speaking to The Guardian, Adefope explained that she doesn’t regret the joke and that she doesn’t have the same fear as a white person might, which could hold them back from speaking their mind. She went on to acknowledge the fear of humiliation, cancellation, or being perceived as prejudiced, but expressed the belief that society is in a place where we are willing to let people try. She also reflected on the possibility that she might have reacted differently to Gervais’ success ten years ago, considering that she might have tried to get Netflix to remove the special or to convince others that it was bad.
Adefope is one of the comedians set to be the opening act for Yard Act’s five-night residency at the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds. The performances will take place between May 8 and 12, with an array of comedians like Harry Hill, Rose Matafeo, Nish Kumar, and a top-secret special guest, who is expected to make a comeback. Meanwhile, Gervais has recently criticized Netflix for not promoting his new comedy special, Armageddon, claiming that they “can’t be arsed” since it’s set to be a success regardless.
Gervais has been surrounded by controversy lately after he received criticism from a disability charity for using an ableist slur in Armageddon. Additionally, a petition had been launched calling for the removal of a joke about terminally ill children. In response, Gervais questioned what people want him to change, stating that offended people often have a reaction without analyzing it. He claimed that the majority of people are not really offended
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