We discussed how comedian Bill Burr made the questionable choice to involve himself in political discussions, and it didn’t go well. Not only did he struggle to effectively talk about social and political matters, but he also became a target of criticism, much like others who participate in similar conversations. It was as if he became a joke himself.
During that period, Burr was appearing on various podcasts and talk shows to promote his latest standup special. One unexpected appearance was on “The View.” As a fan of Burr’s comedy, it seemed unlikely that the show’s audience would appreciate his blunt and politically incorrect views. Nevertheless, he found a surprisingly accepting atmosphere and proceeded to discuss Elon Musk and show solidarity with accused murderer Luigi Mangione.
Subsequently, when questioned about his controversial statements and faced with more than just applause and agreement, Burr reacted defensively. At the Mark Twain Prize ceremony red carpet, he was confronted about his recent remarks. Instead of responding calmly, he appeared confrontational, almost as if it was unreasonable to inquire about those particular topics.
Bill Burr refuses the media bait:
“You journalists need to get your balls back” pic.twitter.com/CqNuKjkqUV
— COMBATE |🇵🇷 (@upholdreality) April 2, 2025
In his effort to lash out at those daring to press him, he makes a number of fumbles. He first states it is ridiculous to ask him about current events, then accuses the interviewer of passing the buck, and closes by declaring, “You need to get your balls back, that’s not my job. I’m just a dancing clown.”
Yes, Burr is falling back on the tired comedic trope perfected by Jon Stewart of “The Daily Show” over the years, the Clown-Nose-On-Clown-Nose-Off dodge. Stewart would be (and in many cases still is) cited as a noble voice on topics by journalists, but whenever challenged on a topic or shown to be in error he would retort with “Why are you coming at me with this, I’m just a comedian!” Burr stands out here by implying he is being asked erroneously to comment on certain issues.
But the very reason those are brought up was because in the coddled environment of shows like “The View” and on podcasts, Burr was spouting off specifically on current events and political items in the news, and did so comfortably. He was not challenged then or asked to explain his positions. But days later when asked about the very same issues, he goes from, “Well how DARE you, Sir!” intemperance to then lashing out, in order to get the interviewers to back off and let him squirm away.
This is Burr refusing to take on the very issues he was freely tossing out there. It was acceptable for him to state definitively that Elon Musk is a Nazi, but if you dare bring up the fact that Burr has mocked people for reflexively calling others “Nazis,” he becomes bothered and lashes out. That is a sign of him not wanting to defend or explain his own positions.
Like so many others, I have stated for a long time that celebrities should not be listened to on social or political matters – but I also like to display why that is. As much as they love to have a media soapbox to dispense their views, they equally loathe when they are challenged or asked to explain cogently what they are saying.
This reaction is on par with “Snow White” star Rachel Zegler, who wanted the freedom to lecture as she saw fit, then turned petulant when there was pushback on her comments. The studio had to step in and rein her in. When they meet resistance to their views, celebs do not consider it a welcome moment for discussion; it is an affront, and they strike out.
Burr displays this very characteristic, as he is asked to expound on the very same issues he previously volunteered. He accuses the person asking about his comments of acting in bad faith, and then insults him for daring to extend the same conversation. As far as the suggestion he made to the reporter–Burr might want to consider taking his own advice.
