Ricky Gervais: “Look at Susan Boyle – Well, she’s a mong”

Oh dear! It seems comedian Ricky Gervais has been causing a stir with his comments about BGT runner-up SuBo.

Ricky has sparked serious complaints after he used the word ‘mong’ to describe Susan Boyle. The comment was made about the singer during part of his recent sell out UK tour.

The  routine that has caused upset saw/heard Gervais say: “Look at Susan Boyle – if you can. Well, she’s a mong, isn’t she? She looks like a mong, doesn’t she?”

Obviously, this has caused some upset to The  Down’s Syndrome Association who have now written to him to persuade him not to use the term, which is commonly associated with people suffering from Down’s Syndrome.

According to newspaper the Sunday Mail, Xanthe Breen, from the Down’s Syndrome Association, said: “We’ve had a campaign to have that particular word removed from common usage and we really don’t want a resurgence….Families who live with Down’s are left very upset by it. I have contacted Mr Gervais’ PR company. I look forward to hearing from them.”

Susan Boyle declined to comment on the matter however Ricky was quick to explain his actions taking to his website he wrote:  “The DSA contacted my PR on the 6th of May explaining they had had a report about my routine about Susan Boyle and voiced their obvious concerns. I sent them an email (in which I wrote) ‘I clearly explain that words change and that at no point am I referring to anyone with Down’s Syndrome. Not only am I not referring to people with Down’s Syndrome I also explain that I am not associating the word with its old derogatory meaning. I also do it as part of a routine about comedians taking responsibility for everything they say. I hope this is acceptable.'” Gervais’ quick response was well received by the association’s bosses – they wrote back: “Fully explained and acceptable reply. Please extend our thanks to Ricky for the prompt reply.”

Well that’s that all cleared up then!