Ricky Gervais says he's reported his fans for 'hate crimes' for laughing at his jokes

Ricky Gervais has joked that he has reported his fans “for hate crimes” for laughing at some of his jokes.

The comedian and actor has been outspoken about his belief that no topics should be off-limits when it comes to jokes. And he recently said on The One Show that comedy is for "getting us over taboo subjects".

Gervais now has a new stand-up show entitled Armageddon in the pipeline and after testing out some of the new material in a gig in London, he took to Twitter to thank fans.

Read more: Ricky Gervais says he's trying to get cancelled

“Another amazing audience at @lsqtheatre for me #Armageddon new material night," he wrote.

"They laughed at things that shouldn't be laughed at and I have reported them all for hate crimes. I'll do more soon.”

Many fans were amused by the After Life star’s comment.

“U legend lol,” one fan tweeted.

“Never stop being you Ricky - you're a breath of air in a world that is currently dismal,” said another.

Someone else posted: “A gloriously uproarious evening was had by all, I'm sure & I can't wait for the final version!”

One person who was apparently in the audience wrote: “THE funniest ever … brilliant show .. thank you.”

Gervais recently faced criticism over his Netflix special, SuperNature, which included jokes about trans people, female comedians and HIV.

Earlier this year he was quoted as joking that he wants to get "cancelled" for his new show.

He told Heat magazine: "I’m treating it like it’s my last one ever.

Read more: Frankie Boyle criticises Ricky Gervais over transgender jokes

"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.”

Watch: Ricky Gervais insists his comedy is 'irony' amid anti-trans row