Bill Maher criticizes media and celebrities over 9/11 and Gaza remarks

Comedian Bill Maher has drawn criticism following remarks on his HBO program, ‘Real Time With Bill Maher,’ regarding the September 11 attacks and the nature of radical Islamism. During a monologue marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks, Maher criticized news organizations for avoiding the term ‘terrorism’ due to its perceived political weight. He argued that the 19 hijackers were driven by a worldview rooted in radical Islamism rather than generic political grievances, describing an ongoing clash between radical Islamism and Western liberalism.

Maher also addressed the conflict in Gaza, criticizing what he termed ‘moral confusion’ among celebrities and influencers. He characterized Hamas as a ‘terrorist mafia gang’ rather than a liberation movement and noted that Israel had previously withdrawn from Gaza as a peace gesture. He specifically critiqued influencers and celebrities, such as rapper Macklemore, for labeling the situation a genocide.

Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro responded to the broadcast, stating that Maher would likely face backlash for ‘saying the obvious about Islam and 9/11.’ Shapiro noted that Maher’s comments regarding the ideological motives behind Islamist terrorism often lead to intense criticism from political opponents.