Bill Maher has taken a jab at pop stars Billie Eilish and Chapel Roan, criticizing them for their “woke” and somewhat “cynical” views on Western society. He suggested they have a limited understanding of what America really is.
During a recent episode of “Real Time with Bill Maher,” the comedian, who is 70, referred to these award-winning artists as “kids” and accused them of mocking the West while enjoying the benefits that come with their fame. According to reports, Maher stated, “Don’t ask Billie Eilish or Chapel Roan what Western values are. They’ll tell you it’s about oppression.”
“But it’s not about repression,” Maher continued. “It’s about the rule of law, respect for minorities, democracy, and scientific research.” He emphasized that there are positive aspects to Western culture, expressing a wish that schools would highlight these points again.
His comments come shortly after various celebrities made headlines during the 68th Annual Grammy Awards; many, including Eilish, used the event as a platform to voice criticism against President Trump and his policies. Notably, the “ICE OUT” pin emerged as a popular accessory that night.
Eilish and her brother Finneas won the Grammy for Song of the Year for their song “Wildflower,” and during her acceptance speech, she took a stand against ICE, asserting that “no one is living illegally on stolen land.”
She had previously emphasized the importance of “fighting, speaking out, and protesting,” bluntly stating, “All I have to say is Fk ICE.”
Roan also capitalized on his celebrity status to criticize the Trump administration, expressing gratitude to the city at a lively Los Angeles concert. He passionately declared, “Fk ICE forever,” to cheers from the audience.
In response, Tricia McLaughlin from the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement, emphasizing the need to protect the community from actual threats, contrasting them with the pop stars’ focus on immigration policies.
Roan has been vocal about various social issues, including war and healthcare. He shared in an interview that he feels disillusioned with the government and often struggles to pick a side in the ongoing debates, mentioning his disdain for both ends of the political spectrum.
Maher, during his broadcast, likened Eilish and Roan to “kids” who misunderstand the meaning of Western civilization. He pushed back against the notion that all historical atrocities are tied to white history, citing events throughout history where different ethnic groups have also committed grave acts. He stressed that the left’s disdain for America leads to missed opportunities to teach students about the complexities of history.
He concluded by saying that ironically, the Western world also provides many of the things that enrich life today.
