Attention turns to Ricky Gervais’ Dutch Barn vodka ads after mass stabbing attack on train in England
Denied advertisements for actor Ricky Gervais’ vodka brand are back in the spotlight after an alleged mass stabbing attack in England.
Gervais shared a rant to social media about 2.30pm local time on Sunday after growing “f***ing sick and tired of the powers that be” denying adverts for Dutch Barn, a vodka distillery he co-owns.
One of the adverts he said was not allowed to be shown at stations in London’s Underground urged locals: “Don’t forget your stab vest”.
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The dark comedian’s rant came just five hours before a mass stabbing incident on a train from from Doncaster, in Central England, to King’s Cross in London.
The attack was described by Prime Minister Keir Starmer as “deeply concerning” and put 11 people in hospital with nine left with life-threatening injuries, one of whom was still fighting for his life.
Though two suspected attackers were initially detained within minutes of police receiving their first emergency call, British Transport Police said on Sunday night, local time, only one person was now being treated as a suspect.
Actor Ricky Gervais has stirred controversy after “stab vest” ads posted before mass stabbing on a train in England. Credit: AP
A 32-year-old British man remains in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, the authority said, adding that a 35-year-old British national of Caribbean descent has been released with no further action.
Gervais’ post has since garnered more attention following the incident, being seen more than 1.5 million times on X.
“F**k them,” he said.
”There’s just nothing wrong with them (advertisements), one that was meant for the Tube station just had me having a drink and it said ‘one day you’ll be underground for good’.
“They went: ‘no can’t have that because it might make people think oh cause life’s short we should drink to excess’.
“Who’s f***ing thinking that, oh my god, cowardly fucking c***s.”
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The Office star finished the video by announcing the vodka would instead be sold direct to customer, urging followers to sign up to Dutch Barn’s mailing list.
However, Transport for London (TfL) has called into question Gervais’ claims.
“These adverts were never referred to TfL or their advertising partners for consideration,” said in a statement to 7NEWS.com.au.
“Alternative creatives for Dutch Barn have been accepted and are running on our network.”
7NEWS.com.au approached Gervais’ management for comment.
— With CNN and Reuters
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