Golden Globes Host Ricky Gervais Promises 'Topical' 'Justified' Jokes, and Maybe One or Two About Donald Trump

The comedian teases what jokes are on and off limits as he returns to host the 73rd annual Golden Globe Awards

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Published on January 5, 2016 12:30AM EST

Ricky Gervais isn’t pulling any punches.

The Golden Globes host teases “topical” and “justified” jokes for the 73rd annual event this Sunday (Jan. 10), with the possibility of a few barbs thrown at Donald Trump.

“Trump might get a mention,” Gervais tells The Hollywood Reporter. “He’s put his head in a basket. I think he s volunteered for that, you know? You can joke about anyone’s willful behavior. I don’t really joke about things that people can’t help.”

The comedian, who previously hosted the film and television awards show from 2010 through 2012, says he plans to only poke fun of those who deserve it. “It’s all going to be topical. It’s all going to be justified,” he says. “[But] I’m not going to go out there and do half an hour on Syria. I’m not a political comedian.”

Gervais still doesn’t understand the fuss made over his previous hosting gigs. “That stuff I did, I was shocked that people thought that was shocking. Genuinely,” he says. “I thought, what have I said wrong? I didn’t say anything outrageous or libelous. I didn’t say anything against broadcasting rules.”

“I wasn’t trying to bring anyone down, I wasn’t trying to undermine the moral fabric of America. I was making jokes,” he contests. “I suppose they weren’t used to it being a bit of a tease and a bit of a roast. But I made the decision: Do I pander to 200 fragile egos in the room or 200 million people watching at home? There’s nothing in it for the people watching at home. They’re not winning awards. It s not a spectator sport watching other people win awards, so I tried to make it one.”

The 73rd annual Golden Globe Awards air Sunday, Jan. 10 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.