Ricky Gervais Increases Security Following Salman Rushdie Stabbing

Comedian Ricky Gervais is taking more safety precautions at his shows following the August 12 stabbing of British novelist Salman Rushdie.

Rushdie was attacked mid-lecture at the Chautauqua Institution in New York. He suffered severe, life-changing injuries to his neck, stomach and eye.

The author was taken off a ventilator just over a week ago and according to his son, was able to speak “a few words.”

Rushdie’s novel, The Satanic Verses, has plagued him for decades due to passage that were considered sacrilegious against the prophet Muhammad. In 1989, an Iranian fatwā called for his execution.

The horrific event shook many live performers, including Gervais.

Gervais isn’t taking any chances. He has employed his own security guards for the gigs so he have confidence in his safety.

Back in May, a man tackled comedian Dave Chappelle during his comedy set at the Hollywood Bowl Arena.

The incident followed backlash against Chappelle’s anti-trans jokes in his October 2021 Netflix special.

Gervais’ concerns are well-founded — especially given the similar controversial nature of his performances. He released an anti-LGBTQ Netflix special of his own last May, angering many queer viewers and LGBTQ rights activists.

Gervais laughed off the negative response. “It’s mad to think that joking about something means you’re anti-it,” he argued.

Clearly, he’s not so carefree these days as critics get more violent.

Gervais is currently testing out new material at the Leicester Square Theatre in London ahead of his upcoming tour.