While on Real Time with Bill Maher, the talk-show host made a remark about Donald Trump having an affair with controversial (and widely disliked) political activist Laura Loomer. Obviously, this has not gone over well for any of the mentioned parties, but surprisingly, it’s not Trump filing a lawsuit this time around. Maher’s joke about the convicted former president is now the subject of a defamation case, one that includes his cable network, HBO.
Bill Maher and his HBO show have been sued for defamation (via The Hollywood Reporter), as revealed by Larry Klayman, Loomer’s lawyer, a former U.S. senate candidate in the state of Florida. They allege that Maher and co. were “broadcasting with actual malice that Republican female conservative activist Laura Loomer has committed adultery with President Donald Trump.” For this reason, Loomer is seeking over $150 million in damages. That insane number is followed up by an even stranger claim that Loomer has “strong roots” in Florida and “has a community reputation as a respected moral figure.”
Related
Bill Maher Tells Dying Civilians in Gaza to ‘Make the Best of It’
In his good old New Rules segment on Real Time with Bill Maher, the host took time to talk to Palestinians.
The full statement from her lawyer goes into further detail, making it clear they believe Maher is a “Trump hater,” a term that would probably describe a lot of people.
“Ms. Loomer has been a strong advocate for President Donald Trump in her profession as a conservative activist and investigative journalist over the past decade. Ms. Loomer promotes individual freedoms, strong national security, secure and closed borders, and constitutional conservative values generally, all of which are in league with President Trump’s pro-American policies and agenda.
“Accordingly, she became a target of Bill Maher and Home Box Office, both of whom advocate for Democrat Party officials and values. They attacked Ms. Loomer with defamatory statements as a vehicle to harm President Trump and his campaign for the presidency of the United States, and to harm Ms. Loomer’s credibility. Bill Maher is a known Trump hater.”
What Did Bill Maher Say About Trump, Exactly?
Of course, now remains the question of what Maher said exactly to provoke such a strong legal response. People “hating” on Trump, and Loomer for that matter, is a popular trend lately for celebrities as the U.S. election date gets closer. However, Maher seemingly crossed a line by referencing an unconfirmed rumor that made waves on X/Twitter. Here’s what Maher said about Trump and Loomer while on his show:
“I think maybe Laura Loomer is in an arranged relationship to affect the election because she’s very close to Trump. She’s 31, looks like his type. We did an editorial here a few years ago … it was basically, who’s Trump f***ing? Because, I said, you know, it’s not nobody. He’s been a dog for too long, and it’s not Melania. I think we may have our answer this week. I think it might be Laura Loomer.”
Related
8 Must-Watch Documentaries About Donald Trump
Dive into the surreal times of reality-star-turned-president Donald Trump with this lineup of must-watch documentaries on the Republican nominee.
While Maher’s comments are probably not the worst things ever said about Trump in a public forum, the talk show host is no stranger to making controversial, at times despicable, statements. He previously said that Palestinians dying in Gaza should simply “make the best of it,” is an anti-vaxxer, and most recently fantasized about the death of Chappell Roan. Maher has a long list of Arab-related quotes, to say the least, to the point that Ben Affleck famously fought back against the talk show host’s dangerous rhetoric.
- Release Date
- February 21, 2003
- Seasons
- 17