Ricky Gervais Fires Back at Hollywood Hypocrisy, Declaring ‘They’re Still Not Listening’ in a Scathing Response to the 2025 Grammys—Reminding Virtue-Signaling Celebrities of His Brutal 2020 Golden Globes Takedown That Exposed Their Double Standards

Introduction: Ricky Gervais vs. Hollywood—Round Two?

Ricky Gervais has never been one to shy away from calling out the hypocrisy of Hollywood elites. From his legendary Golden Globes monologues to his no-holds-barred stand-up specials, Gervais has built a reputation as one of the few comedians willing to say the things others wouldn’t dare.

And now, it seems he’s at it again.

Following the 2025 Grammy Awards, Gervais took to social media with a pointed message: “They’re still not listening.”The comment, while brief, immediately reignited discussions about his infamous 2020 Golden Globes speech, in which he eviscerated A-list celebrities for their performative activism and out-of-touch statements.

But what exactly prompted Gervais to speak out this time? And why do his words still resonate years after that unforgettable Golden Globes monologue?

Let’s dive into the full story—what happened at the Grammys, why Gervais feels Hollywood still hasn’t learned its lesson, and how his 2020 speech continues to define the ongoing debate over celebrity virtue signaling.

The 2025 Grammys: Another Night of Hollywood Virtue Signaling?

The Grammys have long been one of the biggest nights in entertainment, celebrating the biggest names in music. But in recent years, the event has also become a platform for political statements, social activism, and virtue signaling from celebrities looking to prove their moral superiority.

The 2025 ceremony was no different. As always, the red carpet was filled with stars making grand statements—both in their fashion choices and in their speeches. From politically charged acceptance speeches to carefully curated “activist” moments, the night was yet another example of Hollywood’s obsession with performative wokeness.

But for critics like Ricky Gervais, it was all too predictable. And when he posted “They’re still not listening,” it was clear that he saw the event as just another example of celebrities completely missing the point.

The 2020 Golden Globes: A Moment That Still Haunts Hollywood

To understand why Gervais’ words still carry weight, we need to revisit one of the most iconic (and brutal) award show speeches of all time—his 2020 Golden Globes monologue.

At the time, Gervais was hosting the Globes for the fifth and (as he claimed) final time. From the moment he stepped onto the stage, he made it clear that he had no interest in playing by Hollywood’s rules.

Here are some of the most scathing moments from that speech:

• On Hollywood’s hypocrisy:
  “You’re in no position to lecture the public about anything. You know nothing about the real world. Most of you spent less time in school than Greta Thunberg.”
• On corporations pretending to care about social issues:
  “Apple roared into the TV game with ‘The Morning Show,’ a superb drama about the importance of dignity and doing the right thing—made by a company that runs sweatshops in China.”
• On actors pretending to be activists:
  “If you do win an award tonight, don’t use it as a platform to make a political speech. You’re in no position to lecture the public about anything. So if you win, come up, accept your little award, thank your agent and your god, and f** off.”*

The speech was a direct challenge to the self-righteous culture of Hollywood, exposing the contradiction between their grand moral posturing and the unethical actions of the companies and studios that pay them.

And while many in the audience laughed nervously, the overall response from Hollywood was one of discomfort.

Why ‘They’re Still Not Listening’—Gervais Calls Out More of the Same

Fast-forward to 2025, and it’s clear that nothing has changed. If anything, celebrities have only doubled down on their virtue signaling, using every award show as an opportunity to lecture the public on issues they themselves are complicit in.

While it’s unclear which specific moment from the Grammys triggered Gervais’ reaction, there were plenty of candidates.

• Performative Political Speeches: Several artists used their time on stage to make grand political statements—many of them carefully crafted to align with the industry’s prevailing narratives rather than expressing genuine convictions.
• Contradictory Activism: Major record labels and streaming platforms were praised for supporting social justice initiatives, despite continuing to exploit artists and workers.
• The Illusion of Progressiveness: Once again, celebrities celebrated “inclusion” and “diversity,” while the industry itself remained controlled by the same elite executives who have always called the shots.

Gervais’ “They’re still not listening” was a clear message: Hollywood had the opportunity to reflect on his 2020 speech, but instead, they’ve doubled down on the very behavior he mocked.

The Internet Reacts: Fans Applaud Gervais, Hollywood Stays Silent

As expected, Gervais’ comment quickly went viral, with fans praising him for once again saying what many were thinking. Social media erupted with reactions, ranging from applause to debates over whether celebrities should even be expected to change.

Here’s how people responded:

• Supporters of Gervais:
  • “Ricky Gervais told them the truth in 2020, and they STILL don’t get it. Absolute legend.”
  • “Every awards show is just a competition to see who can be the most ‘woke’ while still making millions off exploitation. Gervais is the only one brave enough to call it out.”
  • “Hollywood doesn’t listen because they don’t want to listen. Ricky Gervais will be proven right again and again.”
• Critics of Gervais:
  • “It’s easy to sit back and make jokes, but at least these celebrities are trying to make a difference.”
  • “Why does Gervais care so much? If he hates Hollywood so much, he should stop talking about it.”
• Neutral Observers:
  • “Honestly, award shows are just boring at this point. It’s all the same speeches, the same fake activism, and the same people patting themselves on the back.”

While Hollywood itself has largely remained silent on Gervais’ comment, the fact that his 2020 speech is still being referenced years later proves that it struck a nerve.

Final Thoughts: Will Hollywood Ever Learn?

Ricky Gervais’ ability to cut through Hollywood’s self-importance is what makes him one of the most respected (and feared) comedians in the industry. His “They’re still not listening” remark is a reminder that, despite years of exposure and criticism, Hollywood continues to operate in its own bubble, believing that lecturing the public will somehow make up for its own glaring hypocrisies.

So, will they ever listen?

Probably not.

But as long as people like Ricky Gervais are around to remind them of their absurdity, at least we can all have a good laugh watching them squirm.