Fury as Netflix After Life bench destroyed by ‘disgusting’ vandals

Ricky Gervais’ After Life bench has been destroyed by ‘despicable’ vandals, sparking a wave of fury from locals in Nottingham. The bench, which was installed in Arboretum park back in January of this year, was meant for anyone who has recently lost someone or who may be struggling with their mental health.

It was inspired by Ricky Gervais’ latest series, which follows Tony Johnson as he comes to terms with his wife’s death. As the show aired, Netflix donated 25 benches for different areas across the UK – with two of them being in Nottingham at the Arboretum and Highfields Park.

NottinghamshireLive reports that on Sunday (May 22), one of the benches appeared to have been destroyed, with planks of wood lying on top of each other. The seemingly mindless act of vandalism quickly prompted anger from locals, including those who have recently lost their significant other.

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Vivian O’Boyle, 69, who lives in Highbury Vale, said: “My husband has just died, three weeks ago. I wanted to maybe donate a bench near here as we used to come and sit here every morning pretty much.

“I knew about the bench – I think it’s disgusting, totally disgusting. I wonder what goes through people’s heads, honestly. What is the need to do that? I think in some ways you have got to pity these people.

“You don’t know what is going on in their lives and so you shouldn’t make judgements but it is a horrible thing to do. I still come here because I’m still trying to do things I used to do with my husband, I don’t want to try and avoid everything.

“This is such a lovely, peaceful place. To think we are so close to the city centre is amazing, you can come here and listen to the birds and the church bells. It’s really lovely.”

One couple, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “We don’t come here very often so we weren’t aware of the bench, but it sounds like it was a wonderful idea. It’s hard to think why someone would want to do that. It’s very sad.”

Meanwhile, Andy Church, 50, told NottinghamshireLive : “I have just seen what is left of it – it’s absolutely despicable. It’s completely mindless.

“I loved the show when it was on and I used to like seeing people sat on that bench. I really don’t know what the world is coming to.”

Ricky Gervais said after donating the benches: “We hope the benches will create a lasting legacy for After Life, as well as become a place for people to visit, and we are thrilled to be associated with CALM and the great work they do.”

A golden plaque inscribed on the benches reads: “This bench is donated by Netflix to commemorate Ricky Gervais.”