'You enabled it': Bill Maher's condemnation of Dearborn 'death to America' chants sparks backlash online

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a recent episode of 'Real Time', host Bill Maher made a fervent plea to draw a line in the sand regarding chants of "Death to America" on American soil.

Maher’s impassioned commentary was sparked by a disturbing incident during an International Al-Quds Day rally in Dearborn, Michigan, where attendees vocally expressed anti-American sentiments.

Bill Maher sounds alarm over chants of 'Death to America'

Addressing the rally in Dearborn, Maher expressed his concern over the chanting of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” by protesters. He noted the gravity of the situation, stating, “Can I talk about American propaganda? Because there was a rally in Dearborn, Michigan, it’s a large Muslim population, [there were] chants of ‘Death to America.’ I feel like we’ve passed something here,” Maher said.

“The left has gotten mad at me for many years for talking about Islam. I try not to do it too much because I know it makes them go crazy, and I’ve made my point. But it needs to be talked about now. When you start chanting ‘Death to America’ in America,” he said.

During the episode’s discussion with guests Piers Morgan and British journalist Gillian Tett, Maher highlighted quotes from anti-Israel activist Takek Bazzi, who headlined the rally.

Maher condemns glorification of Khomeini

Bazzi’s rhetoric included praising former Iranian leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini and denouncing the United States as “one of the rottenest countries” on Earth. Maher, visibly exasperated, questioned the glorification of Khomeini, stating, “He’s the good guy now?” and pushed back against the characterization of America as inherently corrupt. "Imam Khomeini, who declared International Al Quds Day, this is why he would say to pour all of your chants and all of your shots upon the head of America," Bazzi told the crowd.

Maher’s stance resonated strongly with his audience, drawing enthusiastic applause. He emphasized that his love for America remains unwavering, asserting, “I have always liked America and thought death to what was bad.” Maher’s segment, shared on social media platforms, ignited further discussion on the boundaries of free speech and the need to address inflammatory rhetoric that undermines national unity.

Meanwhile, the rally in Dearborn prompted swift condemnation from various quarters, including the White House, Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud. Hammoud publicly denounced the chants as “unacceptable and contrary to the heart” of Dearborn, underscoring the city’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for all communities.

Criticism mounts as Internet blames Bill Maher

X users have directed criticism toward Maher, suggesting his views have contributed to societal shifts.

One user said, "You're one of them when you said "abortion is ok.""

Another added, "Yeah. It’s people like you that have led the country in this direction, Bill."

One replied, "But Bill don’t you know that you simply liking America makes you a N*azi now? Welcome to the right."

Another commented, "Everything you see out there today is YOUR fault, Bill. You've spent 30yrs enabling all of it, while insulting and mocking anyone who dared to challenge it. "It" is liberalism."

One user said, "Yes…and you support the very democrats who promote this kind of trash, and who refuse to denounce it! Biden hasn’t said one word about it! Democrats are too busy trying to destroy conservatives to denounce those actually calling for death to America!"

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.