During the opening monologue of his HBO show "Real Time with Bill Maher," host Bill Maher made a pair of jokes targeting singer Ariana Grande's weight, eliciting significantly different reactions from the live audience.
The first joke, made while discussing the recent release of U.S. government UFO files, linked a description of a "stick-like figure with large eyes" to a reference to Grande's music videos. This remark was met with laughter and applause from the audience.
However, Maher followed up with a second joke, stating, "Maybe that joke will make her eat something." This comment drew groans and audible dissatisfaction from the audience, prompting Maher to defend the punchline by saying, "I’m saying, maybe it will help." He then moved on to other topics, including a critique of Democrats and a segment on Sen. Rand Paul.
The jokes come as Grande has recently stepped away from a planned West End revival of "Sunday in the Park with George" and faced public commentary on her appearance following the release of her "Petal" music video. Grande has spoken about the need for "boundaries" and that "human beings can need a break sometimes."
Later in the show, Maher also discussed Sen. Rand Paul's actions regarding former health official Dr. Anthony Fauci. Maher criticized Paul for obtaining and publishing what he called Fauci's personal diary, arguing it contradicted Paul's established political brand focused on privacy and limited government. Paul had previously subpoenaed Fauci, who invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination numerous times during questioning about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.