Ricky Gervais Denies Responsibility for Joke Cited in St Andrews Nurse Misconduct Case

Comedian Ricky Gervais has denied making an inappropriate joke after a St Andrews nurse was suspended from his role after allegedly repeating the comment. 

James Murray, a former senior nurse at St Andrews Community Hospital, was fired from NHS Fife and attended a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) hearing regarding his behaviour in the workplace. 

His colleagues claimed that he swore at one colleague on multiple occasions and made a graphic remark about children during a discussion that included other paedophilic remarks. 

While Murray admitted to making the statement, he told the panel that he was “repeating or discussing a joke originally told by a comedian (Ricky Gervais).” 

On 10 March, Gervais rebutted with a post on X denying responsibility. He stated, “Not that it matters, but I’d just like to point out that this isn’t my ‘joke’ either. I’ve never said anything like this in a sketch, a screenplay, stand-up, or privately.” 

According to the virtual hearing, which took place from 1 March to 3 March, Murray also admitted to the following allegations: 

• Shouted to Colleague A on the ward. 

• Said: “What’s the f***ing point” or words to that effect.

• Said: “So why not f***ing say that” or words to that effect. 

• Stuck two fingers up at Colleague A. 

• During a conversation about Colleague A, said: “For f***’s sake, it’s not my fault she’s so f***ing miserable” or words to that effect.

• Said: “She’s a Band 6 and only took the job so she could do her prescription course, and she can’t even f***ing do that.”

• Said: “If you’ve got a f***ing problem, don’t go behind my back, just say it to my f***ing face” or words to that effect. 

The NMC stated at the hearing: “It is alleged that on the morning of 22 July, 2022, you approached Colleague A to discuss a staffing decision in relation to Covid-19 protocols, and you then behaved in an inappropriate, unprofessional manner towards the colleague by shouting, using offensive language, including swearing, and making a rude gesture upon leaving the conversation. The conversation could have been overheard by other colleagues and patients.”

The panel continued, “Later that morning, following being reprimanded by the acting senior charge nurse regarding the above conversation, you approached Colleague B and spoke to her about Colleague A in an inappropriate, unprofessional manner, using offensive language, including swearing.”

The NMC also said: “Later that same day, you and another work colleague were engaged in another highly inappropriate and unprofessional conversation of a sexual nature involvingchildren. The conversation occurred in front of other colleagues and could have beenoverheard by patients.”

The matter was referred to the disciplinary hearing after a local investigation took place. Murray admitted that his actions were inappropriate, immature, and unprofessional. 

The NMC concluded that Murray’s statement was not a simple retelling of a Gervais joke, but part of a “wider discussion which included further sexualised remarks involving children.” 

They stated, “Although described at the time as a ‘joke,’ the panel determined that such language has no place in a professional healthcare setting.”

“The panel considered that this conduct demonstrated a serious lack of judgment. It was capable of causing shock and distress to colleagues, risked reputational damage to the profession, and was inconsistent with the standards expected of a registered nurse.”

“It was of the view that the fact that the conversation took place within a clinical environment further aggravated its seriousness.”

Murray’s fitness to practice was found to be impaired, and a suspension order of six months has been imposed. 

A spokesperson for the health board told The Courier that “NHS Fife takes matters of professional conduct extremely seriously.” 

“While we are unable to comment in detail on matters related to individual members of staff, we can confirm that the staff member in this case is no longer employed by NHS Fife.”

“NHS Fife expects the highest standards of behaviour from all employees and whenever concerns are raised, robust internal processes are followed to ensure these are thoroughly examined and addressed appropriately.”

Photo by Ada Newton