Bill Maher has never been shy about telling Democrats what they’re doing wrong, but his latest advice may not go over well with its intended audience. In comments to the California Post, Maher aimed squarely at celebrity activists, arguing they’re actively hurting the party’s chances at the ballot box.
“Hollywood [is] sort of the epicenter of the woke left," Maher told the publication (via The New York Post). "I don't think they’re doing the Democratic party any favors. I think if Democrats want to win elections in the future, job one, tell the celebrities to ‘Just shut the f*** up. You're not helping.."
The Real Time host wasn't done there. He continued, explaining why celebrities don't connect with the average voter: "You don't strike people in most of the country as sensible or in touch with reality.’”
It’s classic Maher: blunt, profane, and engineered to generate headlines. It also wouldn't be a Maher quote without an attack on "wokeness," the late-night host's favorite buzzword to throw in when attacking the left.
But celebrities and politics is nothing new. Famous people have always used their platforms to push political views. Perhaps what has changed is the volume. Social media connected celebrity and audience, turning every Instagram Story into a statment and every awards show speech into a viral moment. During Donald Trump’s presidency especially, celebrity outrage became a near-constant as actors, musicians, and late-night TV comedians all weighed in.
Is Bill Maher ignoring his own advice?
Maher’s argument is that this constant celebrity commentary doesn’t read as passionate or informed to voters across most of the country. Instead, it comes off as preachy and disconnected from everyday concerns.
There’s an irony there, and it's unclear if Maher is aware of it. He is, after all, a celebrity himself who has been famous since the 1990s. Along the way, he's built significant wealth, and he hosts a weekly political talk show from Los Angeles.
Critics could reasonably argue that Maher is just as “out of touch with reality” as the stars he’s criticizing. He’s also recently announced that he no longer plans to tour the country as a stand-up comedian the way he once did, further narrowing his direct contact with audiences. So for now, Maher will continue to talk with politicians and entertainers on Real Time with Bill Maher and Club Random. That makes him a less-than-perfect messenger.
What complicates the issue further is that silence isn’t exactly a safe option for celebrities either. When famous figures choose not to speak up on major political or social issues, they’re often accused of cowardice or protecting their brand. Staying neutral can trigger just as much backlash as speaking out, particularly on social media where every post and "like" is tracked.
Whether telling celebrities to “shut the f*** up” is an actionable strategy or just venting is another question. But as long as fame, politics, and social media remain intertwined, the debate Maher is poking at isn’t going anywhere
Real Time with Bill Maher airs on Fridays at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on HBO and HBO Max.