Comedian Ricky Gervais is taking heat over a new television show after some alleged that the main character is making a mockery of those with intellectual disabilities.

The show called “Derek” stars Gervais in the title role as “a simple, vulnerable man working in an old people’s home.”

Now the comedian is on the defensive, insisting that the character is not intended to be a person with a disability.

“Derek is a fictional character and is defined by his creator. Me. If I say I don’t mean him to be disabled then that’s it. A fictional doctor can’t come along and prove me wrong,” Gervais said in an interview with Nicky Clark, a disability rights activist in Britain.

“Derek” premieres on Britain’s Channel 4 later this week, reports the BBC. To read more click here.

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