Comedian Ricky Gervais came under friendly fire this weekend by warning liberal activists to stop associating with “violent factions” such as antifa.
“It’s interesting that the people who believe that throwing a milkshake in someone’s face shouldn’t be considered assault are often the same people who believe that ’saying things’ should be,” he told more than 13 million Twitter followers on Sunday.
The comments came in the wake of antifa violence in Portland, Oregon, in which milkshakes laced with quick-drying cement were hurled at victims.
Three people, including Andy Ngo of the website Quillette, were taken to the hospital after suffering injuries to the face and head.
Some of the negative feedback to the comedian’s post included:
- “It’s interesting that people who believe ’sayings things’ is harmless are often white men of European descent.”
- “Context. Did they throw a milkshake over them for no reason or was it in retaliation? There’s this idea going around [at the moment] that you can go around saying abusive, hateful & deceitful comments without repercussions. Why?”
- “Says it all: writer of mainstream comedy fails to comprehend the power of words.”
Mr. Gervais soon responded with additional commentary.
“Whatever side you’re on politically, ’left’ or ’right’, you don’t need violent factions joining you or representing you. They bring your cause into disrepute,” he said. “They don’t even care about your cause, they’re just in it for the violence. Denounce them. … Opposing left-wing extremism doesn’t mean you support right-wing extremism. Opposing right-wing extremism doesn’t mean you support left-wing extremism. You’re allowed to hate all extremism. There are loads of other choices. Also, stop wasting milk.”
Portland police officers arrested three people during the protests on charges of assault and harassment.
It’s interesting that the people who believe that throwing a milkshake in someone’s face shouldn’t be considered assault are often the same people who believe that ’saying things’ should be.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) June 30, 2019
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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