Ricky Gervais will host the 2012 Golden Globes

It’s official. Rabble-rouser Ricky Gervais will return to the scene of the crime and host the 2012 Golden Globes telecast, despite his infamous performance at this year’s ceremony.

According to Variety, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association voted on Gervais’ return (though it was far from unanimous).

The HFPA was divided on the decision, offering the following statement on their official website:

“While many welcome Gervais’s return, not everyone is happy with the decision because last year his blunt one-liners targeting big-name celebrities caused anger and resentment in some quarters. After the show Gervais dismissed the possibility of coming back for a third time, but he gradually warmed to the idea and last month met with HFPA President Dr. Aida Takla-O’Reilly in Paris to discuss it.”

Ricky then took to Twitter to share the good news, as well as a pic with Oscar host Billy Crystal.

“Just told Billy Crystal he’d better not use any of my holocaust or pedophile material at The Oscars. He agreed (true)”

It was reported last week that NBC wanted Gervais back at the podium, though there were concerns of an industry boycott.

Discuss: Let the controversy begin!