Bill Maher has revealed that late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is 'very mad' at him following comments Maher made about Kimmel's wife, Molly McNearney, cutting ties with family members who support Donald Trump. Speaking on his 'Club Random' podcast with Adam Carolla, Maher said he hopes the rift can be healed but added that he does not believe he did anything wrong.
The controversy stems from a November episode of 'Real Time with Bill Maher', in which Maher criticised McNearney for issuing an ultimatum to Trump-voting relatives. McNearney had previously disclosed on a podcast that she had lost relationships with family members who refused to vote against Trump, saying their vote felt like a vote against her family.
Maher argued that ultimatums are ineffective, stating: 'Ultimatums don't make people rethink their politics. They make them rethink you.' He claimed he was 'as kid-gloved as I could be' but that Kimmel's camp is unhappy with the remarks. Maher expressed hope that he and Kimmel remain friends, but acknowledged they 'may never talk again'.
During the podcast, Maher also contrasted the left's intolerance of dissent with the right's willingness to engage, noting that Republicans frequently appear on his show despite disagreements. He reiterated his commitment to criticising both political parties, adding: 'If that's not good enough for you, then I think you're the asshole.'
