Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter
Ricky Gervais has criticised celebrities who are complaining about having to stay at home during lockdown from the comfort of their "mansions".
The After Life star made the comments to highlight the bravery of NHS workers who are risking their lives to battle coronavirus .
Speaking to The Sun , Gervais said that he never wants to hear people “moaning about the welfare state again”, adding that healthcare workers, such as nurses and porters, should be given more recognition.
“These people are doing 14-hour shifts and not complaining. Wearing masks, and being left with sores, after risking their own health and their families’ health selflessly,” Gervais said.
“But then I see someone complaining about being in a mansion with a swimming pool. And, you know, honestly, I just don’t want to hear it.”
The comedian’s comments come after a number of celebrities have faced backlash for their behaviour on social media during the coronavirus outbreak.
Last month, singer Sam Smith was criticised for posting a photo of themselves looking distressed while sitting on the steps of their home on Instagram after choosing to self-isolate after displaying symptoms.
The star posted the image alongside the caption: “Stages of quarantine meltdown”.
Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan criticised the singer on Twitter, writing: “FFS. I can't take any more of this celebrity attention-seeking bulls**t.
”Get a grip, the lot of you.”
Meanwhile, other social media users accused Smith of being "privileged" and others said they found it difficult to empathise with them.
Elsewhere, a number of celebrities have been criticised for “fanning the flames” of conspiracy theories linking 5G technology to coronavirus including Actor Woody Harrelson, This Morning host Eamonn Holmes and former Dancing on Ice judge Jason Gardiner.
Coronavirus: London on lockdownShow all 29 1 /29Coronavirus: London on lockdown Coronavirus: London on lockdown A man walks down a deserted Camden High Street
Photos Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown Goodge Street Station is one of the many stations closed to help reduce the spread
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown An empty street in the heart of Chinatown
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown People in masks in Chinatown a day after the lockdown
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown A near-empty Piccadilly Circus during the first week of lockdown
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown Sonja, my neighbour, who I photographed while taking a short walk. It was nice to briefly chat even from a distance
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown A couple sit on the empty steps of the statue Eros in Piccadilly Circus
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown Making sure I stay two-meters apart – D’Arblay Street, Soho
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown A mannequin behind a shop window. UK stores have closed until further notice
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown A notice displayed on a shop window in Camden
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown As part of the lockdown, all non-essential shops have been ordered to close.Image from Camden High Street
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown A skateboarder wearing a mask utilises his exercise allowance in the Camden area
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown Communities have been coming together in a time of need
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown A woman stands alone in a deserted Oxford Street. Up until a few weeks ago, on average, half a million people visited the street per day
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown A couple walk hand in hand down a street in Soho, a day before the stricter lockdown was announced
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown During the first week of March, shoppers focused on stockpiling necessities ahead of a countrywide lockdown
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown Many supermarkers are operating a queuing system to make sure only a limited amount of customers are allowed in at anyone time
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown ‘Stay Safe’ – Curzon cinemas are temporarily closed under the new measures
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown Pubs, restaurants and bars were ordered to shut as part of the lockdown
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown Camden High Street There are fears that coronavirus could lead to permanent closure of struggling shops
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown Camden Town is eerily silent on a normal working day
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown Shops and supermarkets ran out of hand sanitisers in the first week of the lockdown. As we approach the end of the second week most shops now have started to stock up
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown Empty streets around Soho
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown A noticeboard on Camden High Street urges the public to stay at home
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown Camden High Street, one of London’s busiest tourist streets turns quiet
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown Thriller Live confirmed its West End run ended in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown Empty and eerie Soho streets after stricter rules on social distancing announced
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown A woman pauses for a cigarette on Hanway Street, behind Tottenham Court Road
Angela Christofilou
Coronavirus: London on lockdown A man steps outside onto Hanway Street, that sits behind what is usually a bustling retail hub
Angela Christofilou
On Monday, Holmes claimed that the media had been too quick to dismiss the theory as false “when they don’t know it’s not true”.
His remarks came during a discussion of fake news with co-host and wife Ruth Langsford and journalist Alice Beer.
“No one should attack or damage or do anything like that, but it’s very easy to say it’s not true because it suits the state narrative,” Holmes said.
“That’s all I would say, as someone with an enquiring mind.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies