'He's bitter and stale': Bill Maher faces backlash after admitting he 'refused' to stop smoking to interview sober Steve-O

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Bill Maher faced criticism after he admitted that he refused Steve-O's request to not smoke marijuana during their prospective interview on the late-night host's 'Club Random' podcast. 

This comes after the 'Jackass' star, who has been sober for 16 years, opened up about being "upset" over Maher's conduct in his own podcast 'Wild Ride! with Steve-O'.

Bill Maher's taken on the cannabis controversy

Given Maher's well-documented affinity for cannabis, he frequently partakes in smoking while engaging in conversation with his podcast visitors.

Reportedly, in a forthcoming episode of 'Club Random', featuring skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, doubled down on his reason to refuse Steve-O's request. 

"That Steve-O guy was taking shots at me in the press recently," said Maher, adding, "I don’t want to start a feud, and I’m sorry that he felt slighted or something, but it is ridiculous that somebody thinks that I should give up pot smoking because they have a problem. Then I’m sorry you can’t be here," as per Variety. 

He emphasized that as the creator and host of the podcast, he has complete control, likening the platform to his own domain where he sets the tone and makes the rules.

The comedian stressed, "I already have another show. It’s called 'Real Time.' It’s on HBO and it’s very much not [with] pot. This is different. This is just shooting the s**t, and this is how I shoot the s**t. This is an attempt to get conversation as real as it ever is."

The 'Club Random' episode featuring Hawk is slated to premiere on Monday.

Steve-O found Bill Maher's refusal 'upsetting' 

In an episode of his 'Wild Ride' podcast, Steve-O claimed, "I’m a clean and sober guy. It’s very important that I maintain my sobriety, it’s approaching 16 years. There’s nothing I value more than my sobriety. There’s nothing more that I protect than my recovery."

"I found it kind of upsetting when the Bill Maher podcast reached out and he smokes pot the whole time while he interviews people. I said I’d happily go on there, but while I’m on, out of respect for my sobriety, could he refrain from smoking pot. He said no and that’s a dealbreaker," added the 'Jackass' alum. 

He further noted, "All of these [other] prolific potheads — I’ve been on their shows — and it wasn’t so important to them to blow marijuana smoke in my face." 

Internet slams Bill Maher as he doubles down on his decision

One shared, "I’m with Steve-O on this one. Maher could show some respect and class by not smoking during the podcast, but maybe he has none," and another said, "Clearly. What a turd.."

"I’m still with Steve-O on this, Maher is becoming quite annoying, weed or no weed," remarked a person, while someone else added, "Everybody: 'The first step of fighting addiction is acknowledging you have a problem.' Bill Maher: 'I don't have a problem - you have a problem.'"

An individual expressed, "Maher is just your average selfish boomer."

"Bill Maher thinks he’s a lot smarter than he is and it’s made him very rigid over the years. His 'edge' now comes off as bitter and stale. Makes me appreciate the genius of Carlin even more - he could be prickly and harsh but fundamentally likable and timelessly funny," wrote one more. 

Another person said, "The energy of a sixteen year old boy." 

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.