Bill Maher shared on his “Club Random” podcast that Ben Affleck has declined invitations to return to HBO’s “Real Time” since a contentious debate in 2014. This debate involved Maher, Sam Harris, and Affleck addressing Islam. During this episode, Affleck labeled the comments made by Maher and Harris as “gross” and “racist.”
Maher explained he invites Affleck back every year. Despite the time that has passed, Maher holds out hope that a private discussion could help bridge their differences. “I love him, but we just are going to disagree on that one,” Maher commented.
A representative for Affleck did not respond for comment about Maher’s claims or a potential return to the show. Affleck’s last appearance on “Real Time” was in October 2014. The actor explained in a 2017 interview with The Guardian that his reaction stemmed from opposition to racial and religious stereotypes. “I love a good debate, and I get very energized by it,” Affleck stated, emphasizing his belief against stereotyping according to race or religion.
During the original “Real Time” discussion, which included author Sam Harris and New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, Affleck pushed back against sweeping claims about Muslims. Affleck pointed out, “How about more than a billion people who aren’t fanatical, who don’t punch women, who just want to go to school, have some sandwiches, pray five times a day and don’t do any of the things you’re saying of all Muslims?”
Maher defended his criticism of Islam by pointing to threats and acts of violence connected to blasphemy and dissent. “It’s the only religion that acts like the mafia that will kill you if you say the wrong thing,” Maher remarked.
Affleck also referred to the characterizations as gross and racist. Harris clarified his position, stating that critics had misinterpreted his criticism of religious beliefs as hostility towards Muslims. In a follow-up, Harris noted that he made distinctions among different groups within Islam during the episode.
Harris revealed during a 2022 appearance on “Club Random” that he and Affleck had privately resolved their differences after the broadcast. However, Maher has not had a similar reconciliation with Affleck as yet.
Maher noted that the public interest in their 2014 exchange with Affleck persists far beyond its importance as a television episode. “More people mention that episode to me than anything,” Maher noted, underlining its emotional impact due to Affleck’s involvement.
CJ Womack is an associate editor at Fox News.
CJ joined Fox News Digital’s team in 2026 and emphasizes the crucial role journalism plays in shaping politics and culture. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Journalism from Long Beach State University in 2025. You can send news tips to [email protected] and follow CJ on Twitter.