Bill Maher Discusses Tense Relationship with Jimmy Kimmel

Bill Maher disclosed on Monday that his friendship with fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is quite strained, suggesting they might not reconcile. “Jimmy Kimmel is really upset with me. I realize you’re close with him, so please let him know I’m sorry he’s not doing well. I think he’s in the right; we just have some disagreements,” Maher shared during a chat with Adam Carolla on the “Club Random” podcast.

Previously, in November, Maher mentioned that Kimmel’s wife had reached out to a conservative family member expressing her reasons for not voting for President Trump. This, in turn, led Maher to contact Kimmel’s wife to express her disconnect with relatives supporting the former president.

“This distinction between the right and left—it really gets to me. My crowd is supposed to be left-leaning, yet they’re often the hardest to talk to unless you’re right in the middle,” Maher said on his podcast.

Despite their differences, Maher appreciates Kimmel. He stated, “Jimmy is one of the kindest people. I messed up during our texting. He wasn’t really complaining; he just pointed out I can be a bit arrogant sometimes when he compares me to others who work late.” Maher added, “Even if you all had a monologue, I doubt anyone could tell the difference in style.”

The comedian clarified that he doesn’t blindly support what he calls “leftist nonsense,” emphasizing he critiques both sides: “If you can’t handle that, I think you’re, well, a jerk. But I don’t believe Jimmy is one. He’s a great person, and it really troubles me that, because of recent events, we might never talk again.”

In a December discussion, Maher indicated that tensions arose following Kimmel’s condemnation of comments made by Maher’s partner. “I was trying really hard to be respectful, but I just can’t agree with that perspective,” he stated while talking with Young Turks host Ana Kasparian.

Further expressing his sentiments for Kimmel, Maher reminisced, “I genuinely like Jimmy. We share a unique bond. Both of us were let go by ABC; he took my time slot after I was out. It’s funny how those Disney executives managed to get rid of both of us.”

Kimmel faced suspension from Disney in September after commenting on the reported shooting death of Charlie Kirk, although his show was back shortly after.