Ince Alleges Gervais Bullied Him on Set, Resulting in Distress and Health Issues
Comedian Robin Ince has accused Ricky Gervais of bullying during their time working together in the 2000s. Ince described his experience as distressing, resulting in a stress rash and hair loss after just two weeks. He noted that his discomfort led Mackenzie Crook, his co-star, to intervene. Ince expressed his concerns about Gervais' behavior and the impact of his controversial jokes on marginalized communities.
Comedian Robin Ince has come forward with serious allegations against Ricky Gervais, stating that the veteran actor and comedian's behavior towards him during their collaborations could be categorized as bullying. Ince, who gained fame for co-presenting The Infinite Monkey Cage with Brian Cox, expressed his discomfort regarding their working relationship in a recent podcast appearance.
Ince Describes His Experience Working with Gervais
During an episode of The Starting Line podcast, Robin Ince reflected on his past experiences while touring with Ricky Gervais, noting that what should have been an enjoyable time for him was overshadowed by a sense of unease. Ince revealed that after two weeks of performing alongside Gervais, he began experiencing physical symptoms of stress, including a rash that his doctor identified as a stress-related condition. He mentioned, "I think it is bullying, really it is" and described how he felt mentally and emotionally overstretched during that period.
Impact on Ince's Well-being
Ince detailed his struggles during the tour, stating that not only did he develop a stress rash, but he also felt that his hair was thinning due to the pressure of the situation. While he doesn't consider this a traumatic experience, he acknowledged that acquaintances expressed their concern about his well-being, hinting at the toxic dynamics in his working relationship with Gervais. Ince mentioned that actor Mackenzie Crook, known for his role in The Office, eventually confronted Gervais regarding the treatment he was receiving.
Ince's Departure from Comedy and Evolving Views
In 2015, Robin Ince retired from stand-up comedy to take care of his personal life, citing that he was "starting to go mad" and regretted not spending more time with his family. Despite their apparent camaraderie after their tour, the relationship soured in 2022 when Ince criticized Gervais for his jokes about transgender individuals, arguing that such humor can be damaging to marginalized communities. He reflected on the negative societal impact of these jokes, suggesting that Gervais inadvertently positioned himself as a role model for harmful ideologies.
Gervais' Controversy in Comedy
Ricky Gervais has faced criticism in the past for his comedy style, which some have deemed as controversial. Following remarks made in one of his comedy specials, parents voiced their disapproval, further intensifying the scrutiny surrounding the comedian's work. As the discourse around comedy and its implications continues to evolve, Ince’s remarks shine a light on the potential effects of performers' words on their peers and the broader community.
