Ricky Gervais says “eating things you [censored] shouldn’t” causes pandemics like the coronavirus outbreak.
The British comedian made the comments in a video posted to his Facebook account. “If you keep away from people you probably won’t get it. You just won’t get it, um, and that should be such a simple task, shouldn’t it? Don’t be a [censored]; don’t mingle,” he said, referring to the virus.
“The wet markets are already opening in china. They’re already getting back to it. [The virus] comes from animals like all the other things—like MERS and SARS—it comes from, originating usually in bats. It comes from animals. It comes from [censored] eating things you shouldn’t,” he added.
Gervais previously urged live animal markets to close in the wake of COVID-19. “For the sake of people and animals, wildlife trade and consumption has to end, now,” he told the Mirror.
Some experts believe the novel coronavirus originated in a wet market in Wuhan, China, last December. Wet markets sell produce, like fruits and vegetables, and fresh meat. In addition to this, some sell live wild animals and fish for human consumption.
After seeing footage of Indonesian wildlife markets, Gervais added: “We can’t carry on exploiting animals, eating wildlife and trashing the planet. The wildlife trade and markets have to close, otherwise, it will be a case of when, and not if, we have another global pandemic.”
He continued, “How bad does this have to get before you close down Indonesia’s extreme animal markets that pose the exact same risk as the wildlife wet markets in Wuhan, China?”
As well as live animal markets, factory farms are also considered a disease risk, due to cramped and unsanitary conditions.
Ricky Gervais Speaks Up For Animals
Gervais has also spoken out against trophy hunting, animal testing, fur, and horse racing. On an episode of “Under the Skin with Russell Brand,” the actor discussed his love for animals.
“I don’t remember not loving animals. I was born into a family with pets… It makes me feel good… I don’t know why an animal makes me feel good. I’m in awe of an animal… We’re just part of nature. We’re not above it,” Gervais said.
He continued: “We’re nothing special. We’re not as important as bees.”
Gervais also spoke out against animal cruelty under the guise of tradition. “There’s lots of propaganda out there why it’s okay—why bullfighting is okay because its an honorable way for the bull to die. Shut up, because it’s tradition, well so was slavery and child sacrifice! It’s not culture. I don’t get it,” he said.
