Ricky Gervais Faces Backlash After Mocking Big Game Hunter Trampled by Elephants in Africa
Ricky Gervais is facing backlash after weighing in on the death of Ernie Dosio — a 75-year-old big game hunter who was killed by a herd of elephants during a hunting trip in Africa.
Responding to a news article about the incident, Gervais posted on X: “The best thing is, they’ll never forget it.”
The remark quickly drew criticism, with many calling it insensitive given the circumstances.
“You should delete this Ricky. It displays your abject ignorance at wildlife conservation and is frankly ghoulish,” one user replied.
“Truly disgusting individuals. Educate yourselves on how big game hunting works. They’re controlling populations,” another added.
The reaction split social media, turning Gervais’ post into a flashpoint in a broader debate over hunting, conservation and how deaths like this are discussed publicly.
What Happened to Ernie Dosio in Gabon?
Dosio was killed on April 17 while on a $40,000 hunting trip in Gabon, Central Africa. He and a guide were tracking a yellow-backed duiker in the Lopé-Okanda region when they encountered a herd of elephants.
According to reports, the pair surprised five elephant cows and a calf.
“Feeling under threat, the elephants immediately attacked them,” a friend told the New York Post.
The guide was reportedly struck first and separated from his rifle, leaving Dosio with only a shotgun intended for smaller game. A herd of elephants then trampled him.
“I would rather not go into detail, but it is safe to assume it would have been quick,” the friend said.
The safari company behind the trip later confirmed Dosio’s death. The guide survived with serious injuries, though Dosio’s ex-wife told The Daily Mail that the guide had succumbed to the injuries.
Ernie Dosio’s Hunting History Fuels Debate
In the aftermath, photos of Dosio’s trophy room went viral, showing animals he had hunted over the years — including elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, crocodile, zebra and leopard.
The images intensified the online reaction, with some pointing to the irony of how he died. Others, including friends and family, pushed back on that narrative.
“All Ernie’s hunts were strictly licensed and above board and were registered as conservation in culling animal numbers,” one friend said.
They described him as a conservation-minded hunter who followed legal guidelines and contributed to wildlife management efforts.
“Ernie with his big mustache was larger than life but did not show it off, although he had money…he was a just a farmer and good old country boy who loved to hunt and fish,” one relative told the New York Post.
Ernie Dosio’s Family and Friends Respond
Dosio’s family has also taken issue with how the story has been portrayed. His son called the situation “twisted,” while questioning how images of their private trophy room became public.
“It hasn’t been fun. It hasn’t been fun at all,” he said.
Confusion surrounding the incident added to their frustration. Early reports misidentified the cause of death, and family members said they received conflicting accounts before official confirmation.
His ex-wife said attorneys were notified before the family, adding to the distress. Meanwhile, those who knew him personally emphasized a different side of his life.
“He would never want recognition but he was always there with a loving heart,” wrote one friend in a tribute, noting his charitable work supporting veterans and underserved communities.
Gervais’ comment may have ignited the latest wave of attention, but the reaction underscores a deeper divide — one that extends far beyond a single post.
At the center of it is a complex, emotional conversation about hunting, conservation and how people process loss when those worlds collide.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
