Bill Maher recently took a swing at pop sensations Billie Eilish and Chappell Roan, criticizing their seemingly ‘woke’ and ‘ironic’ perspectives on Western society. According to Maher, these artists “don’t know what the f–k America is about,” sparking a dialogue on the values that underpin Western culture.
On Friday’s installment of “Real Time with Bill Maher,” the 70-year-old comedian didn’t hold back, referring to the internationally acclaimed pop stars as ‘kids’ who, in his view, criticize Western ideals while simultaneously enjoying the benefits they provide. This sentiment was echoed in a report by The Daily Mail.
Maher was particularly vocal about what he believes are misconceptions held by Eilish and Roan regarding Western values. “Don’t ask Billie Eilish or Chappell Roan about what the Western values are, because they’ll say it’s about oppression,” he commented, seeking to clarify his stance.
He further elaborated, “But it’s not about oppression. It’s about rule of law. It’s about respect for minorities. It’s about democracy. It’s about scientific inquiry.” Maher expressed a desire for educational institutions to revisit these positive aspects of Western civilization.
His comments follow closely on the heels of the 68th Grammy Awards, where celebrities like Eilish used the occasion to express disapproval of President Trump and his administration, notably through the symbolic ‘ICE OUT’ pins that became a popular accessory on the red carpet.
The late-night host’s remarks come just weeks after celebrities hit the 68th Grammy Awards red carpet, where many artists — including Eilish — used the carpet to berate President Trump and his administration, with ‘ICE OUT’ pins becoming the most coveted red carpet accessory.
“Wildflower,” the song by Eilish and her brother Finneas O’Connell, won the Grammy for Song of the Year — and the popstar used her acceptance speech as a platform to blast ICE, claiming “no one is illegal on stolen land.”
The singer previously spoke out about the need to “keep fighting and speaking up and protesting,” adding, “F–k ICE is all I have to say.”
Roan has also been using her celebrity to blast the Trump Administration — most recently at a packed Los Angeles show where she thanked the city ‘that took care of me.’
“And it’s only my duty to take care of it. F–k ICE forever,” Roan shouted into the arena, prompting cheers from the crowd.
Roan’s anti-ICE remarks prompted Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin to fight back with a scathing statement given to TMZ.
“Pink Pony Club is good. Pedophiles are bad. That’s who we’re getting off of our streets. Get a grip,” McLaughlin wrote.
Roan has previously been outspoken on issues regarding wars, drag bans, abortion access, and access to healthcare for trans people, telling Rolling Stone in September 2024 that she “hate[s] both sides.”
“I’m pretty, f–k the government, and f–k everything that’s going on right now,” the Pink Pony Club singer said.
“I don’t have a side because I hate both sides, and I’m so embarrassed about everything going on right now.”
In his scathing opening, Maher likened Eilish, 24, and Roan, 28, to “kids” for not understanding “what the f–k” Western civilization means, adding the singers have reduced it to “Western means white, and white means bad.”
The comedian continued to argue that not all atrocities are exclusive to white history, adding that people of color have committed them too — calling out Japan’s violent and deadly invasion of China in the 1930s and Genghis Khan, one of history’s most ruthless conquerors.
Maher claimed that “the left is very down on America and very down on the West” and that schools no longer teach these facts — adding that he could “go on and on” about the world’s most horrific brutalities.
“It’s ironic because the West has also given us everything that makes your life good here,” Maher said.
