Update: Hollywood Foreign Press Association president Phil Berk has denied Ricky Gervais‘ claim that he’s been asked to host the Golden Globes yet again next year, despite the brouhaha sparked by his his stint earlier this month. “There is no truth to this rumor,” Berk said in a statement. “We have not asked him to come back. Nice try, Ricky.”

Earlier: The Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. has reportedly invited Ricky Gervais to return and host the 2012 Golden Globes telecast. That’s the Stockholm Syndrome, no? It’s also one hell of a swing from what one HFPA member told Popeater’s Rob Shuter about Gervais not only being finished as a GG emcee but his future films being blackballed in terms of potential Golden Globe honors.

Gervais has expressed reluctance about doing the show again. He’d be a fool not to, of course. The whole “he went too far!” thing (i.e., shock and umbrage, death-ray looks from Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, objections from Robert Downey, Jr., publicists reportedly calling to complain) has boosted his stock and then some.

The complete classic quote: “‘Hit Me,’ said the Sadomasochist. ‘I won’t,’ said the Sadist.”