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Ricky Gervais has taken a jab at Transport for London after alleging that a series of his vodka brand’s darkly humorous billboards were turned down.
The comedian shared on social media mock-up ads featuring himself holding a glass, paired with cheeky slogans like “Welcome to London. Don’t forget your stab vest,” “One day you’ll be underground for good,” “Your tube driver’s favourite drink in the morning,” and “Drugs this good are usually illegal.” These were intended for Dutch Barn vodka billboards in the London Underground.
Gervais claims that all these ads were rejected, prompting him to launch a profanity-filled tirade on social media, where he labeled Transport for London as “cowardly.”
In a video, he expressed his frustration, saying, “I am f—— sick and tired of the powers that be banning my f—— billboards and adverts.”
“Sometimes there’s just nothing wrong with them,” he added.
According to Gervais, Transport for London rejected the “one day you’ll be underground for good” ad, arguing that it suggested life is fleeting, encouraging people to drink more.
“Who’s f—— thinking that?” he said.
A large majority of social media users were in support of the proposed billboards, with some noting the timeliness of his “Welcome to London. Don’t forget your stab vest” ad after a mass stabbing on the weekend.
Anthony Williams, 32, was charged with attempted murder over a mass stabbing attack on a train from Doncaster to London that wounded 11 people over the weekend.
“This aged well,” one user wrote.
“Should count as a public safety announcement right?” another said. 
But Transport for London has disputed Gervais’ claims, saying they were never submitted for consideration.
“These adverts were never referred to TfL or their advertising partners for consideration,” the organisation said in a statement to local media.
Transport for London added that it was running other Dutch Barn ads on the network.
9news.com.au has contacted Transport for London for comment.
Gervais has promised to sell directly to customers instead via a website.
