Bill Maher defends Charlie Kirk: They mischaracterized him, 'wasn't a monster'

Comedian and political commentator Bill Maher said he's grateful he had the opportunity to interview Charlie Kirk before the conservative activist's death, lamenting that the Turning Point USA founder was often unfairly portrayed as a "monster" by his critics.

During a Monday episode of Maher’s eponymous podcast "Club Random," he revealed that he had agreed to participate in a documentary about Kirk's life.

“I said, yes, I'm giving them five minutes after my taping Friday night," Maher told comedian Jeff Dunham. "And I told them, don't expect me to be just saying, you know, hagiography about Charlie."

Dunham praised Maher's widely discussed interview with Kirk last year,which featured a lengthy conversation about faith, politics and culture despite the two men's significant ideological differences.

Reflecting on that interview, Maher said he came away with a more nuanced view of the conservative activist.

"I liked him as a person; I'm glad I talked to him," Maher said of Kirk. "I do not think he was a monster."

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