30 most controversial Bill Maher moments

28. Maher explains the hypocrisy in celebrating Osama’s death

Osama bin Laden is one of the most infamous terrorists of all time, apparently the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks. But for years he kept evading capture from US forces, always managing to somehow stay hidden. Eventually, during President Barack Obama’s presidency, bin Laden was found by a team of SEALS who promptly executed him.

As you can expect, many Americans took to the street to celebrate the news. The world’s most wanted fugitive had finally been killed, and for many, it was justice that was a long time coming. But despite how terrible of a person Osama was, there’s something unchristian about taking joy in his death. At least according to Bill Maher, who says as much on an episode of Real Time.

Maher expresses his irritation in Christians in particular who enjoyed Osama’s death far too much. The teachings of Jesus suggest to love your enemies. “Jesus lays on that hippie stuff pretty thick,” Maher demonstrates. You can’t follow a man who preaches these ideas and then take a gleeful delight in violent revenge. Because non-violence is basically the “trademark” of Jesus, it contradicts his viewpoints to celebrate a man’s death.