Creator Of £100,000 Oscars Gift Bag Hits Back At Ricky Gervais' Criticism

The creator of the infamous £100,000 Oscars gift bags, which Ricky Gervais publicly criticised, has hit back at the comedian. 

Lash Fary, the founder of Distinctive Assets who were behind the bags, said that Gervais’ criticism was ‘hypocritical’ given his own wealth. 

Fary told Metro: “Ricky Gervais is a talented comedian, so it’s no surprise that I find the hypocrisy of his ‘goody bag tweet’ hilarious.

“While we do not spend money buying any of the items in our gift bags (much like advertising, this is simply a promotional campaign for brands), the valuation is indeed significant… but not nearly as substantial as Ricky’s recent Netflix deal, the residuals he receives for The Office or his multi-million-dollar home.”

The marketing company founder then imitated Gervais’s original tweet, adding: “So if you’re unemployed, take some comfort in the fact that even if you had a job, your salary probably wouldn’t be as much as Ricky Gervais makes for a single episode of After Life.”

It comes as the comedian made a dig at the expensive goodie bags handed out to Oscars nominees, which are worth more than £100,000 ($140,000) and include high-end gifts.

I'd start with "Hello. I hope this show helps cheer up the ordinary people watching at home. If you’re unemployed for example, take some comfort in the fact that even if you had a job, your salary probably wouldn't be as much as the goody bag all the actors have just been given."

— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) March 27, 2022

The 60-year-old comedian, who has previously hosted the Golden Globes, responded to a tweet from a fan who said they wished Gervais was hosting The Academy Awards.

He wrote: “I'd start with "Hello. I hope this show helps cheer up the ordinary people watching at home. If you’re unemployed for example, take some comfort in the fact that even if you had a job, your salary probably wouldn't be as much as the goody bag all the actors have just been given.

"I'm proud to announce that this is the most diverse and progressive Oscars ever. Looking out I see people from all walks of life. Every demographic under the sun. Except poor people, obviously. F**k them."

The 2022 Oscars gift bags were said to include the likes of a trip to a wellness retreat, gold-infused olive oil and even a title of a Laird, Lord or Lady of Glencoe.