He was well acquainted with controversies. Quite recently, though, an incensed backlash has followed his last tweet concerning the conversion of Senator JD Vance to Catholicism. The comedian went further and pumped out that one: “JD Vance converted to Catholicism because he heard Catholic priests like little pricks.” Not really conducive to the enjoyment of quite a number of folks, especially during Holy Week.
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So it started, and oh, did it start furiously. Some claimed it disgusting; some vile. Robert Boyle went swinging, declaring Maher as a “scumbag” because of the very importance of the timing for delivering the joke on Good Friday. “You made a show of Trump signing your insults, like you are above the fray-you are not,” he tweeted before on another hand of praising Vance because he truly adheres to his faith. Confusing much?
Then there was Stephanie Orr, who prayed. ‘Pray that..’ She prayed for Maher with eyes ‘open to the Truth of Jesus Christ.’ Chris Haa Music: “Just offensive,” he said, referring to it as “sheesh, when was comedy ever funny?” Then further he gave another blow to the wounds of those who were offended: “I mean, egg prices have dropped from $8 to $3, so you might want to try talking about something else.”
For those in disapproval, Gregory S. Patton replied with, “I heard rabbis do too,” to which Dorothy van Koolwijk laughed in emoji form, mocking Vance for his unsuccessful attempt to meet the Pope. Most were just put off by it.
It was not just Maher’s joke, but also the claim against the target. Several tweets pointed out that Maher had failed to apply the same humorous take on other religions. RacerX would say, “Where are the Muslim jokes,” while Mario Canseco would accuse Maher of mocking Catholics and Christians in that there are “no consequences.” Oooof.
Maher’s audience seemed divided, at least that’s what some said, longtime viewers like Nick ® expressing disappointment saying they “really liked him before he started knocking Trump every effin week.” On the contrary, those like ATChaisson would probably warn that Maher’s attempts to make up to leftists are going to end pretty badly and cost him all the good will he’d built up over recent months.
Also, dooms were mentioned. For example, Ian Whiting blandly told Maher, “You will have to stand before God and be judged,” which is well-hotted. Charles Farthammer, however, took the lower road, “Hey Jewboy, you need a new writer.” That’s yikes.
What better time to say it than Holy Week? Callista schooled Maher for kicking Catholics “in the head.” She added an example of Biden’s administration labeling certain Catholics extremists. Carroll County Republicans sarcastically carried on to praise Maher for his “classy” behavior during such a sacred time.
This is Bill Maher after all. Shock is what sells. He wouldn’t be softening it while annoying his audience or doubling his ‘-o’-rank line of humor. And if we’re being honest? The raised eyebrows could well have been just what he was after. It keeps him in the mix, even if that means half his replies are people telling him to retire.
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Another day, and once again, it’s another tweet by Maher that sends ripples across the International Body of Web. Some have laughed; others groan; a precious few threaten Him with Divine Retribution. That’s basically the tradition now.
