Bill Maher revealed on a recent podcast that Ben Affleck has not appeared on "Real Time" since their contentious 2014 exchange about Islam, citing their fundamental disagreement on the topic as the reason.
Maher stated on the Club Random podcast that he has invited Affleck back to the show every year since their 2014 clash, but the actor has declined. "I love him, but we just are gonna disagree on that one," Maher said of their differing views.
He suggested that perhaps a private conversation or the passage of 12 years might allow for a "middle ground," but acknowledged that the incident has become a significant cultural talking point.
"More people mention that episode to me than anything," Maher explained. "It wasn’t the best episode we ever had, but it got emotional with a movie star. That’s America."
During the October 2014 episode of "Real Time," Affleck took issue with Maher and guest Sam Harris's remarks about Islam. Maher had stated that Islam is "the only religion that acts like the Mafia that will f—ing kill you if you say the wrong thing." Harris added that "Islam is the motherload of bad ideas."
Affleck, then 54, described Maher's generalizations as "gross and racist." He countered by stating, "How about more than a billion people who aren’t fanatical, who don’t punch women, who just want to go to school, have some sandwiches, pray five times a day, and don’t do any of the things you’re saying of all Muslims? It’s stereotyping."
Following the exchange, Affleck commented on the incident in November 2014, saying he was "making a 'Sesame Street' argument." He elaborated that one should not judge an entire group based on the actions of a few.
Maher, reflecting on the situation, indicated his preference for expressing his genuine beliefs even if it causes disagreement. "I think I’d rather tell the truth and say what I believe in and make people unhappy than sort of pretend to think of something else to accommodate them and try to be liked," he said. "That’s just the way it goes and I don’t think I’m any great champion of anything, but if they’re going to put me on a show, I’m going to say what I think."
A representative for Affleck did not immediately respond to requests for comment.