Ricky Gervais fans have spoken out in their droves against Wanda Sykes after the comedian and actress took a loaded swipe at the Extras star at this year's Golden Globes.
Mr Gervais claimed his second Golden Globe for Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television on Sunday, although the British comedian was absent from Sunday night's ceremony at The Beverly Hilton.
The 64-year-old secured the accolade for his Netflix special Mortality, which debuted on December 30 and explores themes of life, death, and contemporary society.
Presenter Ms Sykes collected the trophy on his behalf after announcing his victory over fellow nominees Sarah Silverman, Bill Maher, Brett Goldstein, Kevin Hart, and Kumail Nanjiani.
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Golden Globes 2026: Wanda Sykes
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As she took to the stage to hand out the award, Ms Sykes was on the warpath from the off.
"Shout out to the Golden Globes for having me because you know there's some people pissed off that there's a queer black woman up here doing the job of two mediocre white guys," she remarked.
As applause rang out, she went on: "I'm presenting the award for best stand-up on television, but first, I wanna give them some love.
"Bill Maher, you give us so much, but I would love a little less, try less," she joked before turning her attention to Mr Hart.
Golden Globes 2026: Wanda Sykes accepted Ricky's award on his behalf
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"Kevin is the richest man in this category, and yet, I know he wants this the most."
She then got to Mr Gervais. "Ricky Gervais, I love you... for not being here. I love you, Ricky, because if you win, I'm gonna accept the award on your behalf and you're gonna thank god, and the trans community," she quipped.
Mr Gervais is an outspoken atheist and has caused controversy among fellow comedians in recent years for his jokes about the trans community and other marginalised groups.
So when it transpired he'd won the Golden Globes, Ms Sykes said: "He would like to thank God and the trans community. Ricky Gervais is not here, so we will accept this on his behalf."
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Ricky Gervais didn't attend
| PAThose in attendance cheered Ms Sykes for her political point-scoring, but it's safe to say several at home weren't as impressed.
One X user fumed: "Wanda Sykes is a hack who can't win her own awards, so she has to hijack a better comedian's moment to push a tired agenda.
"Ricky didn't show up because he knows this entire room is a collection of sensitive losers. Embarrassing for everyone involved."
"She's never been funny. At least Ricky can be," a second added, while a third weighed in: "Could anyone be more cringe and out of touch than Wanda Sykes #GoldenGlobes."
Wanda Sykes accepting the Best Stand-Up Comedy Performance on Ricky Gervais’ behalf “He would like to thank God and the trans community” #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/8cmcL5gcrZ
— SΞAN (@Seanlofficial) January 12, 2026
Meanwhile, a fourth fumed: "The NEVER funny 'Comedian' Wanda Sykes accepts the Golden Globe for Best Standup for @rickygervais since he isn’t there and 'THANKS GOD & THE TRANS COMMUNITY' on his behalf.
"She also wore an 'ANTI-ICE' pin & said people are 'P***ed of because a QUEER BLACK WOMAN IS DOING THE JOB OF TWO MEDIOCRE WHITE GUYS'. I didn’t know she was still working."
"Wanda Sykes is anti-humor. Ricky Gervais won the award. The end," a fifth argued, before a sixth hit out: "1 Wanda isn't funny and never has been. 2 Ricky doesn't care one way or another, why would he?" (sic)
Of course, some viewers found Ms Sykes' stance against Mr Gervais hilarious. "Wanda Sykes bodying Ricky Gervais is what I need rn. #GoldenGlobes," one supporter posted on X.
Ricky Gervais is no stranger to controversy with his humour | NETFLIXAnother weighd in: "Shoutout to Wanda Sykes for the iconic acceptance speech — savage, funny, and wearing that anti-ICE pin. Queen behavior #GoldenGlobes." (sic)
Mr Gervais took home the inaugural Golden Globe for stand-up in 2024 for his special Armageddon, with Ms Sykes among his competitors that year.
The comedian served as host of the ceremony on five occasions between 2010 and 2020, a fact he references in Mortality.
His latest triumph means all three stand-up awards in the category's history have gone to Netflix specials, following Ali Wong's win last year.
Among the other winners on the night were Adolescence stars Owen Cooper and Stephen Graham as the Netflix series continued to dominate the awards circuit.
Meanwhile, there were wins for Teyana Taylor, Timothee Chalamet, Rose Byrne, and Stellan Skarsgard, while Sinners and One Battle After Another also scooped gongs.