Journalist and podcast host Megyn Kelly reportedly blasted HBO host Bill Maher after his latest monologue on antisemitism and Israel, accusing the self-styled anti-woke comic of abandoning his usual principles when the issue hits close to home.
Maher used his show to complain about rising hostility toward Jews and argued that many critics of Israel are using opposition to Zionism or Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a mask for antisemitism. While insisting people have a right to criticize Israel, Maher claimed many Americans unfairly portray the country as uniquely evil while ignoring abuses elsewhere around the globe.
“Now, it’s everyone’s right in a free country to be antisemitic, but enough with hiding behind Israel, or Zionism, or Netanyahu,” Maher said, before accusing critics of hypocrisy and declaring, “No Jews, no news.”
The audience appeared uncomfortable with the remark, drawing an awkward response from Maher himself.
Kelly, however, seemed far less interested in Maher’s broader point than in what she viewed as glaring hypocrisy from a comedian who has spent years mocking identity politics and progressive grievance culture.
“He’s such a hypocrite,” Kelly wrote on X. “‘Anti-woke warrior’ except when it comes to the one identity he shares and then he’s full BLM 2020.”
Her criticism reflected frustration from many conservatives who believe Maher selectively applies his disdain for victim politics. Maher has frequently ridiculed progressive activists for demanding special treatment or moral deference based on identity, yet critics argue he now appears to be demanding exactly that when discussing antisemitism and Israel.
Maher has often discussed his personal background publicly. His mother was Jewish, while he received a Catholic upbringing. Though he has said on his “Club Random” podcast that he does not personally identify as Jewish, religious Jews would still generally consider him Jewish through his maternal heritage.
Kelly’s own position on Israel has evolved significantly since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks. She initially defended Israel forcefully in the aftermath of the massacre, as many Americans did. But over time, Kelly has become increasingly critical of Netanyahu’s aggressive military campaign in Gaza and wary of the influence pro-Israel interests exert in American politics.
She has also expressed concern about growing pressure for deeper U.S. involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts, including Israel’s confrontation with Iran — a position that reflects broader unease among many conservatives who support Israel while remaining skeptical of endless foreign entanglements and escalating regional wars.
Maher’s monologue also took aim at voices on both sides of the political spectrum. He criticized Tucker Carlson for hosting controversial guests, including Nick Fuentes and Holocaust deniers. At the same time, Maher attacked The New York Times for platforming progressive commentator Hasan Piker, whom Maher accused of comparing Zionists to Nazis.
Still, Kelly’s reaction underscored a growing divide among anti-woke commentators and conservatives over Israel and antisemitism. While Maher framed himself as standing against dangerous rhetoric, critics like Kelly see him as abandoning his usual skepticism and moral consistency when discussing a cause that feels personally connected to him.
Maher closed his remarks by criticizing Democrats for failing to push back against anti-Israel sentiment among younger voters influenced by social media. But Kelly’s response suggested that for many observers, the bigger issue was not whether antisemitism exists — but whether public figures like Maher are applying the same standards to everyone, including themselves.
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