Bill Maher questions Jay Leno on gambling debt rumors after brutal accident streak

Jay Leno responded to wild conspiracy theories about gambling debts, mafia links, and recent accidents
UPDATED DEC 29, 2024
Bill Maher and Jay Leno discussed the automotive enthusiast's accidents over the past few years (Getty Images)
Bill Maher and Jay Leno discussed the automotive enthusiast's accidents over the past few years (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Bill Maher tackled the swirling rumors about Jay Leno’s alleged gambling debts during an episode of his 'Club Random' podcast.

The 68-year-old comedian questioned Jay Leno, 74, about fan speculation linking his recent streak of accidents to a mafia-associated gambling addiction.

Jay Leno's response to gambling conspiracy theories



 

Bill Maher brought up the theory, stating, "There’s a conspiracy theory, since you’ve had three accidents, that you actually have gambling debts and are being beaten up by the mob."

Leno, known for his quick wit, dismissed the notion with humor. “I love the idea that the mob would drive to Greensburg, Pennsylvania, [and] wait outside the Hampton Inn on a sleety, rainy day to throw me down a hill," he joked.

Jay Leno's series of unfortunate events

Jay Leno has faced a string of injuries over the past two years. In November, the former 'Tonight Show' host suffered a black eye and other facial injuries after a steep fall in Pennsylvania.


BURBANK, CA - NOVEMBER 19: Jay Leno is seen out and about on November 19, 2024 in Burbank, California. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)
Jay Leno is seen out and about on November 19, 2024, in Burbank, California (MEGA/GC Images)

This incident followed a previous mishap where he accidentally set his face on fire while working on a vintage car.

Leno revealed more details in November about his latest accident to Inside Edition, explaining, “I broke my wrist, lost my nail on the finger."

"I’m all black and blue from 60 feet of hitting rocks,” he added.

Despite these injuries, Leno performed a comedy show just hours later, showcasing his resilience.

Two years earlier, a fiery explosion from a vintage engine left Leno hospitalized with severe burns.

While Leno’s net worth is estimated to exceed $450 million, fans have speculated that his injuries could be tied to unpaid gambling debts.

He laughed off the idea, saying, “I like the idea that they wouldn’t just take one of my cars for the gambling debt.”

Jay Leno attends amfAR Las Vegas Presented by Paramount at Wynn Las Vegas on November 22, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ryan Emberley/amfAR/Getty Images for amfAR)
Jay Leno attends amfAR Las Vegas Presented by Paramount at Wynn Las Vegas on November 22, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada (Ryan Emberley/amfAR/Getty Images)

Jay Leno and Bill Maher's heated political exchange

During the same podcast episode, Bill Maher shifted gears to criticize political polarization.

He expressed disdain for progressives who cut ties with conservative family members during the holidays.

“F**k off, you fs,” Maher said, adding, “This is what I fing hate about the left.”

Leno also spoke about being labeled a “traitor” in Hollywood for supporting President-elect Donald Trump.

Maher agreed, mocking the current climate where friendships across political lines are frowned upon.


NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 20: Bill Maher visits The Megyn Kelly Show at the SiriusXM Studios on May 20, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)
Bill Maher visits The Megyn Kelly Show at the SiriusXM Studios on May 20, 2024, in New York City (Noam Galai/Getty Images)

He concluded with a jab at hyper-partisan attitudes, saying, “Cut your family off for Thanksgiving if they voted for the wrong guy? F**k off, you f***s,” according to Daily Mail.

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