Ricky Gervais ‘hires security guards after Salman Rushdie stabbing’: ‘He isn’t taking chances’-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro

Ricky Gervais has reportedly hired security guards after Sir Salman Rushdie was attacked (Picture: AP/Getty)

Ricky Gervais has reportedly hired his own security guards after Sir Salman Rushdie was attacked while giving a speech in New York.

Sir Salman was stabbed around 12 times – including in the face and neck – as he was about to deliver a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution last week.

As well as a puncture to his eye, the 75-year-old also suffered injuries to his abdomen, causing a puncture of his liver, and other stab wounds to his abdomen and chest area.

Hadi Matar, 24, has been charged with attempted murder and assault. He has pleaded not guilty.

Comedian Gervais has now also reportedly hired security guards for performances.

The Satanic Verses author was giving a speech in New York when attacked (Picture: PA)

The 61-year-old is said to have ‘beefed up’ his security team as he performs ‘work in progress’ shows at Leicester Square Theatre in London, where he is testing out new material on live audiences.

This follows incidents including Dave Chappelle being attacked on stage, as the 48-year-old comedian was performing his stand-up show in Los Angeles in May.

A source revealed: ‘Ricky isn’t taking any chances. He has employed his own security guards for the gigs so he can have a laugh and relax in the knowledge that he’s safe.’

Comedian Dave Chappelle was attacked on stage in May (Picture: WireImage)

Ricky ‘isn’t taking chances’, a source revealed (Picture: Marion Curtis/StarPix for Netf/REX/Shutterstock)

The insider added to The Sun: ‘He hasn’t wasted any expense. They’re the real deal and are positioned in the aisles and around the stage, keeping a close eye on audience members.’

The source also added that the venue of Gervais’ performances is ‘doing a lot for general safety,’ with reportedly no glasses or bottles being allowed to be served by the venue.

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They continued: ‘It seems like everyone is taking precautions. It’s necessary in these times.’

The comedian is testing work for his upcoming stand-up show titled Armageddon, having previously admitted that he wanted to ‘try to get cancelled’, saying earlier this year: ‘I’m treating it like it’s my last one ever. It won’t be, but I want to put everything into it. I want to try and get cancelled. No, I just want to go all-out there.’

Metro.co.uk has approached Ricky Gervais’ representatives for comment.

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