Bill Maher is doubling down on his long-running argument that celebrity activism has become more of a political burden than a benefit, particularly for Democrats trying to win over skeptical voters outside coastal bubbles.
According to the New York Post, the “Real Time” host said Hollywood’s instinct to signal its virtues has alienated much of the country loudly and weakened the Democratic Party’s appeal.
“Hollywood [is] sort of the epicenter of the woke left. I don’t think they’re doing the Democratic Party any favors,” Maher told the California Post. “I think if Democrats want to win elections in the future, job one, tell the celebrities to ‘Just shut the f—k up. You’re not helping. You don’t strike people in most of the country as sensible or in touch with reality.’”
That blunt assessment is typical of Maher, whose refusal to toe a strict ideological line has increasingly put him at odds with much of the entertainment industry. He has built a career on criticizing what he sees as excesses on both sides of the political spectrum, regardless of who takes offense.
His critiques of progressive culture and his openness to talking with figures across the political divide have irritated some fellow entertainers over the years. That tension appeared to surface publicly at the Golden Globe Awards earlier this month.
While presenting the award for best stand-up comedy performance, comedian Wanda Sykes took a jab at Maher, who was nominated for his HBO special “Is Anyone Else Seeing This?”
In the special, Maher describes universities as “four-year day care [centers] for the crybullies of the privileged” and says, “You wonder why the left catches more jokes from me? They changed, not me, OK?”
Onstage, Sykes quipped, “Bill Maher, you give us so much. But I would love a little less.”
When Ricky Gervais won the award in absentia, Sykes accepted on his behalf with another pointed line: “Ricky Gervais says he would like to thank God. And the trans community.”
Maher said he wasn’t surprised by the outcome and had predicted it beforehand on his “Club Random” podcast.
“I speak freely, and this woke town f–king hates that. And that’s okay. I’ve made my peace with that,” he said.
He also criticized the Golden Globes for excluding Joe Rogan from nominations in its new podcast category.
“It was typical and predictable and also ridiculous that Joe Rogan wouldn’t be nominated in a category that he dominates,” Maher told The Post.
Politically, Maher describes himself as heterodox, sometimes aligning with the left and sometimes the right, depending on the issue.
Living in Beverly Hills, he has been critical of one-party Democratic control in California, particularly in the aftermath of the 2024 Los Angeles wildfires.
“It’s not wrong to associate some of the unforced errors our government made with the things normies see as hallmarks of uber-progressive politics,” he said, citing “questionable budget priorities” and “making everything about identity politics.”
Still, he stops short of constant attacks on Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
“Do I think she’s done a great job? No,” Maher said. “But all cities are messy.”
He believes California would benefit from more centrist governance.
“California could stand for a lot more centrist policies,” Maher said. “It’s just not a good thing when one party completely controls anything.”
Maher extended that critique nationally, including toward Republicans.
“That’s certainly true of the Republicans also, who are drunk with power in Washington,” he said. “I would love to see both sides marginalize their crazies.”
He also urged Gov. Gavin Newsom to move closer to the political center.
“I like Gavin, and I always will,” Maher said. “I think if a Democrat like Newsom moves more to the center, it’s good for the party and it’s good for the country.”
Asked about Newsom’s embrace of edgy humor and AI-generated memes, Maher was dismissive.
“It’s silly. It’s political theater,” he said.
“Real Time with Bill Maher” returned to HBO for its 24th season last Friday, and Maher said the show will continue to be shaped by the White House.
“It’s a new year, but what hasn’t changed is that President Donald Trump still controls the agenda,” Maher said.
His assessment of the administration so far is mixed.
“I really don’t like what’s going on with ICE,” he said. “I really don’t like what’s going on with the political retribution.”
But on foreign policy, he is less reflexively critical, particularly when it comes to Venezuela and Trump’s ouster of Nicolás Maduro.
“If you’re the kind of people who hate oppression, well, I mean, that’s a pretty big boot to lift off people’s heads,” Maher said. “If Cuba goes next, that would be good.”
Despite his criticisms, Maher said he refuses to let Trump dominate his identity, unlike many in Hollywood.
“My whole personality, unlike a lot of the people out here, isn’t just Trump,” he said. “I don’t have Trump derangement syndrome. There’s just a lot of stuff I don’t like, and I’m going to call it out.”
