While self-isolation and the general effects of the coronavirus pandemic have been tough for pretty much everybody, there are definitely those who benefit from fame and fortune. Comedian Ricky Gervais has given a new interview commenting on celebrities complaining despite this.
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Ricky Gervais is not known for holding his tongue on how he feels about most of Hollywood, and this is no different.
In a new interview, Ricky discussed the healthcare system and his respect for the people on the frontlines of this issue, who Ricky lauded for “risking their own health.”
Ricky said that growing up poor lead him to believe “that all the best things were free — friends, nature, learning, and healthcare.”
“After this is over I never want to hear people moaning about the welfare state again, I never want to hear people moaning about nurses again,” Ricky emphasized.
Ricky pointed out that those who were really worthy of complaining were not.
“These people are doing 14-hour shifts and not complaining. Wearing masks, and being left with sores, after risking their own health and their families’ health selflessly,” Ricky said.
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“But then I see someone complaining about being in a mansion with a swimming pool.”
Ricky then echoed the sentiments of many fans, saying, “And, you know, honestly, I just don’t want to hear it.”
Celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres and Justin Timberlake have been criticized for complaining from their states of relative privilege.
Ellen has received a lot of heat for complaining that she’s “bored” during quarantine in various Instagram videos.
“awww poor Ellen. it must be tough being bored living in a mansion and having a net worth of $330,000,000. i think i’m gonna cry,” one fan tweeted in response to the videos.
Some people think that Ellen was drawing the focus away from important issues.
Fans thought it was tone-deaf for Ellen to be complaining about being bored while there are people struggling with illness, unsafe working conditions, and lack of employment during this tough time.
Fans have also had similar complaints about Justin Timberlake, who said in a recent interview that 24 hour parenting “is just not human.”
Fans felt that Justin’s comments were also tone-deaf, as his wealth affords him a much easier time taking care of and entertaining his children than most people.
It’s not surprising that many people agree with Ricky’s comments.
Many fans agreed that the only people who have really earned the right to complain are those who have been affected by this pandemic directly, like front line workers or those who have lost employment as a result.
Some said they felt Ricky was speaking for the entire country.
Of course, this is the internet we’re talking about, so not everyone was on Ricky’s side in this argument.
Some people felt that celebrities have a right to complain like everyone else.
Others felt that flaunting their wealth was also something they were allowed to do, since it was money that they had earned.
What do you think?
Do you agree with Ricky? Are celebrities complaining from their mansions doing so in poor taste? Or do you think celebrities have the right to complain like anyone else?
Let us know in the comments!