Ricky Gervais Explains That Missing Hour

Ricky Gervais' hour-long absence from the Golden Globes Sunday night wasn't because celebrities were outraged at his insult-filled monologue and cutting introductions of Bruce Willis and Johnny Depp, the MC says. Conspiracy theorists suggested the British comic—who appeared more subdued upon his return—had been fired or even spirited away by outraged Scientologists, but Gervais says the absence was planned, Mediaite reports.

"I did every single introduction I was meant to. There just happened to be a long gap. This is because I was allowed to choose who I would introduce in advance. I obviously chose presenters who I had the best jokes for—and who I knew had a good sense of humor," Gervais said in a statement. "Everyone took it well and the atmosphere backstage and at the after show was great.”