Comedian-actor Ricky Gervais, who was criticised for taking a dig at Caitlyn Jenner at the 73rd Annual Golden Globes while hosting the awards ceremony, says he doesn't believe that his joke on the reality TV star was "transphobic".
During the awards ceremony, Gervais took a dig at the former Olympic athlete, who was known as Bruce Jenner before her transition, saying: "I've changed. Not as much as Bruce Jenner, obviously. Now Caitlyn Jenner, of course. What a year she's had.
"She became a role model for trans people everywhere, showing great bravery in breaking down barriers and destroying stereotypes. She didn't do a lot for women drivers, but you can't have everything, can ya?"
Following the event, many viewers took to social media and criticised Gervais for the same.
The 54-year-old defended himself by saying that given the situation, suggesting a joke about Bill Cosby is automatically racist, reports usmagazine.com.
"Suggesting a joke about Caitlin (sic) Jenner is automatically transphobic is like suggesting a joke about Bill Cosby is automatically racist," he tweeted.
Followed the joke, when one viewer argued that Gervais was mocking Caitlyn's transition, he replied, "But it WAS Bruce Jenner who changed. Into Caitlyn Jenner. And I respect that. Just not her driving."
He went on to clarify: "I made a joke about Caitlyn Jenner killing someone in her car. I'm #TransportPhobic."