Comedy or Propaganda? Bill Maher Blasts SNL for Mocking Trump Voters
Maher’s Strong Rebuke of SNL’s “Zombie Lie”
Bill Maher didn’t hold back in his criticism of Saturday Night Live’s portrayal of Trump supporters during the show’s recent 50th anniversary special. During an episode of his podcast alongside fitness expert Jillian Michaels, Maher specifically targeted a sketch featuring Tom Hanks as “Doug,” a character wearing a MAGA hat who appeared reluctant to shake hands with Black contestants on a mock game show called “Black Jeopardy.”
“I hated it too, and I said it on my show,” Maher declared about the segment. “Wearing the MAGA hat, not shaking hands with a Black person. And that’s when I thought, ‘You people don’t know MAGA people.'”
Comedy Should Contain Truth
Maher acknowledged comedy often involves exaggeration, but argued this particular portrayal crossed a line on a sensitive subject. “It’s a lie that MAGA people won’t shake hands with – I get it, it’s part of a skit, and it’s exaggeration, and that’s comedy,” Maher explained during his podcast.
The HBO host further labeled the SNL writers as “hysterical” and suggested they aren’t helping their left-leaning causes by spreading outdated stereotypes. Maher’s critique emphasizes his belief that effective comedy should contain elements of truth rather than reinforcing narratives disconnected from reality.
The controversial sketch sparked immediate backlash from Trump supporters who viewed it as an unfair and divisive portrayal. Critics, including former Robert F. Kennedy Jr. aide Link Lauren, accused SNL of pushing tired tropes and suggested such content contributes to the show’s reported decline in ratings.
The timing of the controversy is particularly notable given Trump’s electoral performance and diverse base of support. Many observers point out that the caricature presented by SNL seems increasingly at odds with the reality of Trump’s coalition, which includes supporters from various demographic backgrounds.
Maher’s willingness to call out fellow liberal media figures demonstrates his commitment to challenging what he perceives as intellectual dishonesty, regardless of political alignment. His critique serves as a reminder that comedy, while inherently exaggerated, still carries responsibility when addressing sensitive political and social divisions in America.
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