Bill Maher says ‘you’ve got to give props’ to Woody Harrelson for controversial Covid speech on SNL
‘True Detective’ star went on six-minute vaccine rant in February this year
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.US comedian Bill Maher has defended Woody Harrelson’s controversial monologue on Saturday Night Live.
During his appearance as host of the long-running sketch show in February, Harrelson went on a rambling rant, mentioning a Covid conspiracy theory.
In the latest episode of his podcast, Club Random, Maher – who is a close friend of Harrelson – was asked about the moment by SNL alum David Spade.
“I worked on that with him,” Maher revealed of the actor’s monologue, which allegedly went off script from what SNL producers had seen in rehearsals.
“Woody and I have had too many hours of discussions about vaccines and Covid and stuff. I would say we’re 90 per cent on the same page, but I certainly don’t go as far as he does,” Maher said.
“The fact that he was able to, or willing to, put his considerable popularity [on the line]... I mean, you’ve got to give the guy props for that, even if you don’t agree with it.”
Spade added: “Right, I wouldn't do it... I thought he was very ballsy to say that.”
During his six-minute speech, Harrelson told an anecdote about the “craziest script he’s ever read” that ended with a metaphor concerning people “being forced” to take drugs in order to leave their homes.
The monologue was met with scattered laughter from the studio audience and plenty of criticism on social media for its “anti-vax” themes.
The 61-year-old True Detective star, responded to the backlash in an interview with Esquire earlier this month.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
“Well, people told me it was, shall we say, trending,” he said. “No, I don’t look at that s***. I feel like, ‘I said it on SNL.’ I don’t need to go further with it [pause]…other than to say – well, no, I won’t. Never mind. That’s enough.”
He also explained his own political leanings: “I consider myself, really, an anarchist… Well, I’m probably more of a libertarian. I never see government work. It always seems to be working for the people who got you there. It’s businessmen working for bigger businessmen. It’s not businessmen working for their constituents.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments