Comedian and talk show host Bill Maher criticized former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci. This came after Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination 111 times during a Senate hearing about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During HBO’s “Real Time,” Maher accused Fauci of telling lies about the origins of the virus. The virus has been responsible for over seven million confirmed deaths worldwide. Maher emphasized the importance of understanding how the virus began.
Maher highlighted Fauci’s initial claims that the virus started from animal-to-human contact at a wet market in Wuhan, China. He criticized Fauci for dismissing lab leak theories, arguing that Fauci knew more than he admitted.
Fox News Digital tried to contact Fauci for a comment.
Maher referenced the theory that the virus may have come from a Chinese laboratory, where the first cases originated. He rebuked Fauci for his hearing, which included questions on the funding of “gain-of-function” research in China. This type of research involves altering virus genetics to better understand and treat them.
Maher stated, “I would always have said, don’t do it, but it’s a viable debate,” referring to gain-of-function research. He contended that the research might have led to the virus’s escape from the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
In 2025, the World Health Organization released a report suggesting the virus likely spread from bats directly or through another host. Maher challenged this perspective, arguing that social issues, rather than scientific evidence, fueled the debate over the lab leak theory.
Maher discussed the racial stigma surrounding the lab leak hypothesis, which has been supported by President Donald Trump. He believes that labeling the theory as racist hindered rational discussion.
Maher remarked, “You couldn’t say it escaped from the lab, because that was the racist point of view somehow.” He believes the stigma suggested Asian complicity, which he dismisses as unfounded.
His critique of Fauci stands out among media figures who traditionally supported Fauci. Curtis Houck, managing editor of NewsBusters at the Media Research Center, noted Maher’s willingness to address issues that other liberal media outlets avoid.