is reportedly ramping up his security ahead of his upcoming UK tour after receiving death threats in recent months.
The , 61, has built a reputation in the stand-up world with controversial and politically incorrect jokes and routines.
On a recent tour of the , the creator of The Office and was told to significantly bolster his security detail amid warnings about being shot.
Now, ahead of his latest UK tour Armageddon, it’s been reported that the Derek writer has added greater depth to his security team to protect him.
A source said that ‘Gervais has been made aware threats have been made to his life,’ adding that ‘very disturbing letters’ have been sent his way.
Speaking to, the source continued: ‘His offices haven’t shown them to him, but have told him very disturbing letters have come in for him.’
Addressing the controversy around Gervais, the source also said ‘he can afford whatever security he wants, so he thought it was a no-brainer’.
The death threats have reportedly been sent in response to a stand-up special produced for Netflix by the David Brent actor in 2022.
SuperNature, in which Gervais ‘gives his take on the rules of comedy, spoiling his cats and how super actual nature is,’ was contested by those who watched.
It is also likely that the on-stage attack on veteran comedian Dave Chappelle, when he was accosted by a man holding a handgun, has resulted in his decision.
Chappelle, 49, was in Los Angeles by Isaiah Lee, who was sentenced to 270 days in prison.
Earlier this month, Gervais celebrated for being the first to feature a woman as its lead character.
After the success of the British version, remakes were commissioned in Finland, Greece, Saudi Arabia, and, most famously, the United States.
‘I’m very excited about Australia remaking my little show from the turn of the century,’ Gervais said of the show which will star Aussie comic Felicity Ward.
He continued: ‘Office politics have changed a bit in 20 years, so can’t wait to see how they navigate a modern-day David Brent.’
Ricky Gervais’ representation has been contacted for clarification.
