Bill Maher Launches Fresh Attack on 'Golden Globes Activism' and Celebrity Virtue-Signalling
In a scathing segment on his HBO show, comedian Bill Maher has taken another forceful shot at Hollywood celebrities he labels as "f***ing posers" for their engagement in what he mockingly terms "Golden Globes activism." This refers to stars wearing anti-ICE pins at the recent awards ceremony in the wake of the shooting death of Renee Good.
Mocking Media Reaction and Red Carpet Remarks
During his 'New Rules' monologue, Maher revisited his controversial red carpet comments, where he stated, "It was a terrible thing that happened and it shouldn't have happened, and if they didn't act like such thugs it wouldn't have had to happen. But I don't need to wear a pin about it." He then derided the media's portrayal of his stance, joking that if given more time to reflect, his answer would remain exactly the same.
Maher read out headlines accusing him of "laughing at" or "mocking" the pin-wearing activism, retorting sarcastically, "You mean the activism of fixing a f***ing pin to my suit? I'm sorry, it clashed with my Keffiyeh," accompanied by a photoshopped image of himself in the headdress.
Critiquing Celebrity Influence and Political Impact
The comedian expanded his critique, arguing that such symbolic gestures are ineffective. "Get out of here with your virtue-signaling body ornaments. They're just crucifixes for liberals, because every time I see one, I think 'Jesus Christ'," he quipped. Maher urged celebrities to stay out of politics, claiming their involvement often backfires on liberal causes.
He pointed to the 2020 election as evidence, noting, "Every big name in showbusiness came out for Kamala Harris... and she lost every swing state." Maher cited endorsements from figures like Oprah Winfrey, Taylor Swift, and George Clooney, suggesting they made the Democratic candidate less appealing to voters.
Maher emphasised that celebrities' insulated lifestyles—marked by private jets, multiple homes, and extravagant purchases—render them unrelatable in a nation grappling with affordability crises. He asserted that talent does not equate to political wisdom, stripping their commentary of credibility.
Reigniting Feuds and Addressing Hollywood Directly
The segment also saw Maher reignite his feud with fellow comic Dave Chappelle, who previously criticised Maher's views as "smug, cracker-a** commentary." Their disagreement centres on free speech comparisons between America and Saudi Arabia, with Maher firmly defending his position.
Turning to the Democratic Party, Maher advised, "Democrats, it's great you have all the big celebs but people see them as an arm of the Democratic Party, which they already see as lacking common sense." He warned Hollywood that their activism might be driving independent voters toward Republicans.
Celebrity Responses and the Context of Renee Good's Death
Multiple celebrities, including Ariana Grande, Mark Ruffalo, Natasha Lyonne, and Jean Smart, wore the anti-ICE pins at the Golden Globes. Host Wanda Sykes, who donned the badge on her suit, used her speech to mock Maher, suggesting he should "try less." Sykes explained her pin was worn "for the mother who was murdered by an ICE agent," referencing Renee Good's death.
Good, a 37-year-old, was fatally shot by ICE agent Jonathan 'Jon' Ross in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 7, sparking widespread protests and the pin campaign at the awards show.
In conclusion, Maher's critique underscores a deepening rift over the role of celebrities in political activism, challenging the efficacy and sincerity of their public gestures in an increasingly polarised climate.
