Comedian Bill Maher defended his decision to invite embattled comic Louis C.K.to his recent Mark Twain Prize ceremony, declaring that canceled stars should not face a lifetime ban from the entertainment industry.Speaking with NPR’s "Newsmakers" podcast, the host of HBO’s "Real Time" argued that the court of public opinion frequently ignores the rule of law.
He pointed to his recent interviews with actors Kevin Spacey and Woody Allen, and insisted society needs to recognize when someone has done their time."People just want to believe what they want to believe.So, when the jury comes in on the side you like, 'Oh, perfect.
The jury spoke.' But when they don't, it's like, 'Oh, no, screw that.Forget it.
I don’t care about the police investigations.I don’t care about the exonerations,’" Maher said.BILL MAHER TELLS NPR INTERVIEWER HE VIEWS OUTLET AS 'FAR EXTREME OF THE LEFT'Mark Twain Prize recipient Bill Maher attends the 27th Mark Twain Prize For American Humor Gala at The Kennedy Center on June 28, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
(Paul Morigi/Getty Images)"Either the law means something or it doesn’t.You know, and not every punishment should be forever.
Have some grace," he added.On June 28, Maher received the 27th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in a Kennedy Center ceremony that featured a lineup of high-profile guests including Louis C.K., Whitney Cummings, Matt Friend, Woody Harrelson, Arianna Huffington, Jay Leno, John Mellencamp and Stephen A.Smith.
The event is set to stream on Netflix on July 21.His inclusion of disgraced comedian Louis C.K.sparked questions from the NPR interviewer.
In 2017, C.K.admitted to sexual misconduct allegations after several female comedians accused him of exposing himself and masturbating in front of them or over the phone without their consent in a New York Times article.
His actions did not result in criminal charges.ARMIE HAMMER COMPARES HIS HOLLYWOOD EXILE TO BEING CRUCIFIED: 'THE NAILS ARE IN MY HANDS'Lou...