'Extras' star backs Richard Herring over Ricky Gervais 'mong' storm

Comedian Francesca Martinez has backed Richard Herring's criticism of Ricky Gervais using the word "mong" in his work and on Twitter.

Herring had previously hit out at Gervais for his repeated use of the insult, which originated as an offensive term for people with Down's Syndrome.

Gervais, who is currently promoting upcoming sitcom Life's Too Short, has defended his use of the word, but Martinez, who worked with the comedian on the BBC show Extras, gave her support to Herring on her Twitter feed.

"'Mong' has been a derogatory term for years. Just like the 'N' word. Personal context doesn't change that," she said.

"No subject should be off limits in comedy. But using historically abusive terms as casual insults isn't something I find funny."

She added: "Society won't move forward without people agreeing certain stereotypes are unacceptable and kicking up a fuss!

"If folk used a historical racial insult casually, there would be no debate or bullying, just condemnation. Very proud of @Herring1967"

Martinez said that the issue "isn't about free speech", explaining: "Question isn't whether Ricky should be allowed to keep saying mong, but whether he should.

"And I've been called mong this year... and not in the 'OK' way! So it IS still used to insult disabled people. Even if some think not."

Watch Francesca Martinez introduce Ricky Gervais below: