Ricky Gervais responds to allegations made against longtime collaborator

Comedian Ricky Gervais has responded to the multiple allegations made against his collaborator Charlie Hanson, who’s been accused of “creepy and illegal” behavior toward women.

In a Saturday article, the Times of London uncovered that the mystery producer who was unexpectedly removed from a Netflix show was Hanson, who was producing Gervais’ “After Life.” His removal came after 11 women reportedly complained about Hanson’s conduct.

“I am shocked and appalled to learn of the historical allegations made by a number of women against Charlie Hanson,” Gervais said in a statement. “The decision was made to immediately remove him from production and I am confident the matter is being handled thoroughly.”

One anonymous woman emailed Netflix and disclosed Hanson’s troubling history.

“Charlie Hanson is a predator who uses his reputation, connections and standing in order to groom far younger, impressionable and sometimes vulnerable women into trusting him,” the woman said in her email.

“At times he will promise them a starry career under his wing, and then exploits that trust in creepy and illegal ways,” she added. “He then tries to diminish the seriousness of what he’s done by telling these young women — us — that it wasn’t as bad as it seemed, that it was somehow blameless. He does his best to convince himself — and others — that this method of operating is fine. But we know it is not fine.”

Hanson, who also produced Gervais’ series “Extras” and “Life’s Too Short,” has denied the allegations.

“I have been made aware of allegations made against me concerning improper conduct toward women dating back many years. Based on the summaries that have been provided to me, I understand that many of these accusations are made anonymously and are demonstrably false.”