Bill Maher has revealed he stopped performing stand-up comedy because he is afraid of being shot. The 69-year-old TV host discussed his 2024 decision to quit touring on his Club Random podcast with guest Patton Oswalt, citing safety concerns amid the current political atmosphere.
“I feel like it was a great choice because I don’t want to be out there in this country in this political atmosphere. I could get shot by the left or the right,” Maher said. He also mentioned being tired of travel and feeling that he had to be “twice as funny” as comedians selling more tickets.
Maher, known for his political satire on HBO’s Real Time, said ticket sales had declined because he is on television weekly. Rather than face divided audiences, he is content to share his comedy on his podcast and talk show.
Earlier this year, Maher surprised viewers by praising Donald Trump. After the shooting death of Charlie Kirk at a public event in September, Maher argued that blaming one political party was pointless, stating, “It’s a very ugly week in America with violence of all kinds.”
