Comedian Bill Maher, a frequent critic of both political parties, was honored with the 27th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts on Sunday. During his acceptance speech, Maher directed a message to his detractors, including former President Donald Trump, stating that if they wish to avoid being the subject of his humor, they should "stop being funny."
"When either side gets mad at me because I put them in jokes, jokes that work, my message to them is simple: You want to not get mocked? Stop being funny," Maher told the audience. "Then the jokes won't work. When they are ridiculous, they do work, and when people laugh, you're caught."
Several political figures were in attendance, including U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Administrator of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Dr. Mehmet Oz. Former President Trump was not present.
Maher, who has often referred to himself as a contrarian and a backlash to groupthink, thanked his audience, whom he characterized as "a unique group of people who do not demand to be pandered to." He stated that his audience "love[s] it" when they are challenged and that they are "OK" with him asking "what is true" rather than "what will please the audience."
Comedian Matt Friend delivered an impression of Donald Trump during the ceremony, satirizing the former president's reaction to Maher receiving the award. Comedian Whitney Cummings also made a jest referencing Trump's past associations with Jeffrey Epstein.
Maher also reflected on his own career, noting his numerous Emmy Award nominations without wins, contrasting them with this career achievement.
Several lawmakers attended the event, including Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna of Florida. Democratic Representative Ro Khanna was also present.
The ceremony featured speeches from Maher's friends and colleagues, including Arianna Huffington, Louis C.K., Stephen A. Smith, and Jay Leno. Musician John Mellencamp concluded the evening's performances.