Golden Globes: Ricky Gervais compares Apple to Isis in front of Tim Cook
'If you win, come up, accept your little award, thank your agent, and your god, and f*** off'
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.Apple boss Tim Cook was among those targeted in a scathing opening monologue by Golden Globes host Ricky Gervais, who criticised the tech giant for operating “sweatshops in China”.
Gervais, who hosted the award show for the fifth time on Sunday night, made the remarks in front the tech CEO, who was in the audience in support of Apple TV+ series The Morning Show.
Gervais described The Morning Show as “a superb drama about the importance of dignity and doing the right thing, made by a company that runs sweatshops in China”.
Addressing the star-filled audience, Gervais continued: “You say you’re woke but the companies you work for, I mean, unbelievable – Apple, Amazon, Disney – if Isis started a streaming service, you’d call your agent.”
“If you do win an award tonight, don’t use it as a platform to make a political speech. You’re in no position to lecture the public about anything... so if you win, come up, accept your little award, thank your agent, and your god, and f*** off.”
Apple has consistently been accused of worker violations in Chinese factories where iPhones and other devices are assembled.
A report by China Labor Watch in September claimed that around half of the workforce employed in the largest iPhone factory in Zhengzhou were temporary workers.
Chinese labour laws forbid companies from using temporary workers for more than 10 per cent of its employees. Apple responded to the report by saying "most of the accusations are false".
Factory operator Foxconn, however, admitted to "some workforce compliance issues".
Apple did not immediately respond when contacted by The Independent about Gervais's remarks.
Mr Cook’s reaction to the barb by Gervais was not caught by TV cameras, but the tech boss appeared unphased by the remarks in a tweet congratulating the nominees and winners.
"Congratulations to all of tonight's Golden Globes winners and nominees," he wrote. "It's an honour to be in the company of so many amazing storytellers. Our thanks go out to everyone who brings these remarkable stories to life."
The Morning Show received three nominations at the 77th Golden Globe Awards but did not win anything.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments