Maher: "They Don't Understand What America Is"
On Friday night's broadcast of Real Time with Bill Maher, the 70-year-old comedian openly criticized pop stars Billie Eilish and Chappell Roan, asserting that both hold "ironic" and uninformed views by consistently attacking the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.
During the opening segment of the show, Maher stated:
"Don't ask Billie Eilish or Chappell Roan what Western values are, because they'll say it's oppression. But it's not. It's the rule of law. It's respect for minorities. It's democracy. It's scientific inquiry."
He argued that today's education system no longer adequately teaches about the positive contributions of Western civilization, likening the two singers to "children" who simplify history into the formula "Western means white, and white means bad."
Grammy Awards and the Anti-ICE Wave
Maher's remarks come as many artists openly protest the Trump administration's immigration policies. At the recent Grammy Awards, numerous artists wore "ICE OUT" pins on the red carpet.
Billie Eilish, who won "Song of the Year" with her song "Wildflower" alongside her brother Finneas, used her acceptance speech to declare:
"No one is illegal on stolen land."
The 24-year-old singer also urged fans to continue to "fight and speak out," and directly said "F–k ICE" before millions of television viewers.
Meanwhile, Chappell Roan at a Los Angeles concert also loudly chanted anti-ICE slogans, receiving enthusiastic support from the crowd.
Department of Homeland Security Responds Sharply
Chappell Roan's remarks prompted a sharp rebuttal from Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin. McLaughlin affirmed that ICE focuses on apprehending dangerous criminals and urged the singer to "face reality" instead of making inflammatory statements.
Debate on Western Values
In an extended commentary, Maher argued that not all historical atrocities can be attributed to the West or white people. He cited Japan's invasion of China in the 1930s and Genghis Khan's conquests to demonstrate that violence and conquest have existed in every civilization throughout human history.
Maher concluded:
"It's ironic because it was the West that brought about everything that makes your life here good."
The debate between young artists and veteran media voices like Bill Maher continues to reflect a deep division in American society regarding immigration, the role of ICE, and the perception of Western history.
