Bill Maher Deeply Regrets Falling Out With Jimmy Kimmel

Comedian fears they may never speak again after public disagreement over politics

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Bill Maher, the comedian and talk show host, recently opened up about a broken friendship with fellow late-night star Jimmy Kimmel. Maher said he regrets how things went between them and that Kimmel is very upset with him, fearing they may never speak again after a public disagreement related to politics and family.

Why it matters

The rift between two prominent comedic voices highlights the growing political divides and challenges in maintaining friendships across ideological lines, even among those in the same industry.

The details

Maher discussed the issue on his podcast Club Random while talking to guest Adam Carolla. He said the distance between him and Kimmel grew after Maher called out Kimmel's wife for emailing her conservative relatives with reasons not to vote for Donald Trump, resulting in some strained family ties. Maher said he did a 'mea culpa' when they exchanged emails, but the disagreement still troubles him.

  • Maher recently opened up about the rift on his podcast Club Random.

The players

Bill Maher

A comedian and talk show host who has expressed regret over the falling out with his fellow late-night star Jimmy Kimmel.

Jimmy Kimmel

A late-night talk show host who is reportedly very upset with Maher over a public disagreement related to politics and family.

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What they’re saying

“Jimmy Kimmel, he's very mad at me. And I know you're close to him. I hope you'll tell him that, you know, I'm sorry he got bent out of shape. I don't think I did anything wrong. We can have disagreements.”

— Bill Maher, Comedian and Talk Show Host (The New York Post)

“This is the difference between the right and the left. It bugs me so much. My tribe is supposed to be the left, but these are the people who just can't talk to you unless you're exactly where they are.”

— Bill Maher, Comedian and Talk Show Host (The New York Post)

“And if that's not good enough for you, then I think you're the a----. And I don't think Jimmy is an a----. I think he's a great guy, and it bugs me that, you know, because of what the latest thing was, we may never talk again.”

— Bill Maher, Comedian and Talk Show Host (The New York Post)

The takeaway

The rift between Maher and Kimmel underscores the challenges of maintaining friendships across political divides, even among those in the same industry. It serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of letting political disagreements irreparably damage personal relationships.