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Ricky Gervais joins the debate surrounding Roald Dahl’s children’s books, which have been edited to remove words like “fat” and “ugly” in their most recent versions.
The comedian took to Twitter to muse about how he should change his own routines for the benefit of the “vulnerable” and “easily offended”.
In an expletive-laden message, he wrote:
“This is me, pondering whether they will change the words I have used in my work after I am dead, to spare those who are vulnerable and easily offended.
“Words like ‘fat’ and ‘ugly’. And “c***” and “f**k.” And “fat, ugly, greedy, pathetic little stupid f**king c***.” Those kind of things.’
A Twitter follower replied that Gervais’s sketches are not aimed at children, claiming that it can be difficult to explain “hurtful” words to children.
Gervais replied, “Yes, I know […]. It was a joke.”
In another tweet, he shared a photo of him making an unflattering face and showing his stomach, writing, “I have changed my mind. I think we should ban the words ‘fat’ and ‘ugly’. No reason.”
Gervais’ comments follow a week of furious debate after Dahl’s classic books, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factorywere announced to be adapted for the 2023 kid audience. August Gloop will no longer be “fat” but “huge” and the Oompa-Loompas will be gender neutral.
On Friday, the Puffin publishing house announced the release of the Roald Dahl Classic Collection “to keep the author’s classic lyrics in print”, claiming they had “listened to the debate”.
Commentary in the British press is rife, with even Queen Camilla speaking on the subject at a reception for writers on Thursday. She made her point clearly felt and told her audience:
“Please stay true to your calling, unencumbered by those who want to limit your freedom of speech or limit your imagination.” And she added, “Enough said.”