The 2011 Golden Globe Awards - Ricky Gervais Insults

The British comedian's jokes were so near-the-knuckle that when he mysteriously disappeared from the ceremony for an hour, the internet was abuzz with speculation that he had been sacked midway through the broadcast.

Gervais perhaps took a risk too far when he mocked the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the 90-strong group of international film critics who choose the Golden Globe winners.

"I'd like to quash this ridiculous rumour going around that the only reason The Tourist was nominated was so the Hollywood Foreign Press could hang out with Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp. That is rubbish. That is not the only reason. They also accepted bribes," he said.
The HFPA is currently being sued for $2m by a publicist who claims its members accept lavish gifts in exchange for supporting particular films. The HFPA denies the allegations.