Bill Maher Criticizes BuzzFeed and HuffPost on Podcast

Bill Maher sharply criticized BuzzFeed and HuffPost during his recent “Club Random” podcast episode. He spoke with Byron Allen, who owns both publications, labeling them as “peak woke.” Allen revealed his ownership of BuzzFeed and HuffPost, stating he acquired BuzzFeed for $120 million and became its new CEO, as reported by Variety in May.

Maher expressed discontent with HuffPost following the departure of Arianna Huffington, describing it as excessively “woke.” He remarked, “All these places have been horrible to me,” citing a specific distaste for HuffPost. Maher criticized what he perceives as the left’s obsession with purity, stating, “The purity. And that’s what HuffPost, I’m like – I’m worse than like the Republicans because I’m not pure with their beliefs.” He added, “A lot of what they believe, of course, is silly, insane revolutionary garbage.” Despite his disdain, Maher clarified he harbors no personal grudges and does not read the publication regularly.

He commented further on the staff at HuffPost and BuzzFeed, characterizing them as “snarky” millennials who are “probably Nepo babies.” Maher opined, “I just know how these kids, who have these jobs, how much they were indoctrinated before they got there and they are not America.”

Allen, who attended the conversation, mentioned he had been involved with the publications for only a short period. He assured that he reads his publications and noted there is a broad spectrum within the content they produce. He explained, “At the end of the day, I do read it. And what I find is that, you know, there’s that spectrum.” He cited guidance from Al Masini, the creator of “Entertainment Tonight,” suggesting not to get caught up in controversies.

Earlier in the year, HuffPost faced backlash for an article discussing discomfort experienced by some when rooting for the USA in the Olympics. The article, “There’s a Name for the Discomfort You’re Feeling Watching the Olympics Right Now,” was shared on social media with statements like, “If waving the American flag or chanting ‘USA!’ turns you off right now, you’re not alone.” The piece referenced national events, including actions by federal agents and the deportation policies during President Donald Trump’s administration, suggesting feelings of both pride and shame.

The article highlighted perspectives from Olympians like Hunter Hess, who voiced concerns about representing the U.S. amid political unrest. Hess commented, “There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of. Wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything going on in the U.S.”