Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin responded to criticisms from streamer Hasan Piker for not joining him on Bill Maher’s Twitch stream, opting instead to appear on Maher’s main show.
“I’ve said time and again that you need to address things head-on, whether it’s anti-Semitism or Islamophobia… that was my intention when he visited Michigan State,” Slotkin explained in an interview with Politico’s Adam Wren.
She noted that many invitations have not come her way, emphasizing that every politician has to make decisions on whom to engage with.
When asked about Piker’s attacks, Slotkin referred to derogatory statements he’s made about Orthodox Jews and his previous remark suggesting that America “deserved 9/11.”
“He frequently calls me ‘stupid,'” she added, questioning whether a person would choose to appear on a show hosted by someone who insults them regularly. “I wouldn’t do that.”
Slotkin also mentioned that she was “never invited” to participate in Piker’s content.
Additionally, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) criticized Slotkin for her appearance on “Real Time with Bill Maher.” They called for Maher to apologize for his “long history of anti-Muslim bigotry and anti-Arab racism.”
These comments from the Michigan Democratic Party followed a divisive rally where Piker addressed Slotkin directly as a senator during a talk with a Politico reporter. “There’s a double standard in American politics regarding Islamophobia,” he remarked. “Maher embodies a political force that aligns with the establishment’s goals.”
Piker sparked controversy in 2019 with his statement, “America deserved 9/11.”
Piker did not provide a response when contacted for comments.
