Ricky Gervais amps up ‘security’ after Salman Rushdie attack to ‘keep close eye’ on crowd

Ricky Gervais, 61, has strengthened his team of security by employing more guards to protect him at live gigs, according to reports. The comedian reportedly amped up his security in the wake of the attack on author Salman Rushdie who was stabbed on stage earlier this month.

A source said Ricky has upped his security so he can “relax” knowing that there is a “close eye on audience members”.

They said: “Ricky isn’t taking any chances. He has employed his own security guards for the gigs so he can have a laugh and relax in the knowledge that he’s safe.

“He hasn’t wasted any expense. They’re the real deal and are positioned in the aisles and around the stage, keeping a close eye on audience members.”

The insider added to The Sun that the venue is also taking safety precautions with all audience members getting “searched before entry” and banning glass or bottles being served by the venue.

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The Office star replied: “I try to remind them that a joke is a joke. It’s not a window to the comedian’s true soul.

“I take any view to make the joke funny. I pretend to be left-wing, I pretend to be right-wing, I pretend to be clever, I pretend to be stupid. Whatever makes the joke it’s funniest, and smart people know that, they get it.

“They know when I’m serious, they know when I’m joking, they know when I’m saying the opposite of what I mean, they know when I’m saying exactly what I mean.

“But it’s often when it’s taken out of context or people that weren’t at the show and they see a clip. Some people want to be offended, it’s their job, they go through the press and through the TV channels and there’s nothing you can do about that.”