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LOS ANGELES: British comic Ricky Gervais vowed Friday to pull no punches at this weekend's Golden Globes show, which he is hosting for a third straight time despite ruffling feathers last year.
After the gasps provoked by jokes about stars including Robert Downey Jr and the Globes' organizers themselves 12 months ago, Hollywood is wondering who will be the target of his acid jibes on Sunday.
“I'm not trying to hurt anyone's feelings....or undermine the moral fabric of America,” he told the Hollywood Reporter, adding: “I'd rather they laugh than gasp, but I cherish the gasps along with the laughs.”
Last year the creator of hit comedy “The Office” came under fire for remarks including about Mel Gibson's alleged anti-Semitism, Downey Jr's past drug problems, and Charlie Sheen's reputation for drinking.
He also took a shot at Globes organizers the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for allegedly taking bribes, and quipped that before coming on stage he had to get then HFPA head Phillip Berk “off the toilet and pop his teeth back in.”
This year's obvious targets could include Kim Kardashian for her 72-day marriage, and Eddie Murphy over the debacle which saw him withdraw as Oscars host next month after anti-gay remarks by producer Brett Ratner, who also quit.
Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore's marital split may also provide some laughs, while Meryl Streep should brace for some ribbing over her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady,” the Hollywood Reporter said.
It listed 10 targets who may have to force a smile Sunday, also including Leonardo DiCaprio for the gay overtones in Clint Eastwood's “J. Edgar,” and unlucky presidential candidate and former pizza company boss Herman Cain.
Gervais is used to testing boundaries -- even if he did face serious criticism in Britain last year over using the word “mong” for disabled people -- and is philosophical about any criticism he might face after Sunday's show.
“What's the worst that can happen? ... I only do things that could end my career now. That's the fun. That's my extreme sport,” he said.
