Ricky Gervais: Donald Trump has more in common with David Brent than JFK
Comedian says Republican nominee is 'part of the biggest reality TV show in the world'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ricky Gervais has provided one of the most incisive summaries of the US presidential race as simply the biggest reality TV show in the world with Donald Trump as the star.
The comedian said Mr Trump, a former reality TV star himself, had more in common with The Office’s protagonist David Brent than he does with former president John F Kennedy because Mr Trump is an entertainer above all else.
He told Channel 4: “He’s a man who wants to be famous, and he’s willing to pay for it. He’s a privileged man who’s a billionaire who is at the moment part of the biggest reality show we’ve ever seen.”
But while most entertainers or comedians are often rebuked for the offence caused by a joke, Gervais says Mr Trump can say similar things , but crucially not in jest, and simply amass more support.
“When was the last time you saw a future president say: ‘I wanted to punch him in the face.’ And people go yeah, it’s about time!”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments