Bill Maher Exposes Tension With Jimmy Kimmel: “We May Never Talk Again”

Bill Maher says Jimmy Kimmel is upset with him, revealing the tension during a recent “Club Random” podcast interview with Adam Carolla. Carolla and Kimmel previously co-hosted “The Man Show” on Comedy Central from 1999 to 2004.

“Jimmy Kimmel, you know, he’s very mad at me and I know you’re close to him,” Maher told Carolla. “I hope you tell him that I’m sorry that it got bent out of shape. I don’t think I did anything wrong. We can have disagreements. I mean, you and I don’t agree on everything, look at this clash now, and yet we’re cool.”

Maher explained that his approach to politics differs from most late-night hosts. He pointed out that Democrats often struggle with criticism, while Republicans are usually more willing to face it on his show. “My tribe is supposed to be the left, but these are the people who just can’t talk to you unless you’re exactly there, whereas the Republicans, they always f***** come to my show. John Kennedy from Louisiana was on last week, took his beating like a man… and we can disagree,” he said.

The “Real Time” host emphasized that he will call out both political sides. “I don’t just buy into the left-wing bu*****, and I never stop making fun of the right-wing bul***** at all! And like, if that’s not good enough for you, then I think you’re the a*****, and I don’t think Jimmy is an a****… I think he’s a great guy, and it bugs me that, because of what the latest thing was, we may never talk again.”

Maher didn’t directly explain why Kimmel is upset, but it seems connected to a “Real Time” segment last November. During the show, Maher criticized Kimmel’s wife, Molly McNearney, after she spoke publicly about losing touch with Trump-supporting family members. On the “We Can Do Hard Things” podcast, McNearney said she felt hurt by her relatives’ political choices, describing the situation as “challenging” and noting her sympathy for family members she considered misinformed.

Maher responded by questioning the method of ultimatums in political disagreements. “She says she’s lost relationships with relatives because she wrote them an email before the election with ten reasons why they shouldn’t vote for Trump, and some still didn’t obey… Ultimatums don’t make people rethink their politics. They make them rethink you.”

He later reflected on the fallout during the podcast, saying he tried to be careful with his criticism. “I was as kid-gloved as I could. And I see they’re mad at me. Uh, I’m sorry. I mean, I was being, again, as respectful as I could, but I don’t agree with that point of view. I love Jimmy. I’ve always have. I don’t know him that well, but he’s a great guy… I hope we’re friends forever, but I don’t know. You know, the liberals and the woke, that’s a schism. It just is.”

The comments reveal a rare public disagreement between two of late night’s most recognized figures. Maher’s blunt approach to political humor seems to clash with Kimmel’s more traditional style, leaving the future of their friendship uncertain.

This story highlights how even friends in the entertainment industry can clash over politics. Maher is outspoken and direct, while Kimmel tends to be more cautious with personal critiques. It’s a reminder that differing approaches to public discourse can create tension, even among colleagues.

What do you think about Maher and Kimmel’s disagreement? Do you think they will patch things up, or is this the start of a bigger rift? Share your thoughts in the comments.