Comedian Bill Burr set off a firestorm with his rant against tech billionaires like Elon Musk during a recent appearance on ABC’s The View. Host Joy Behar asked Burr who’s been irritating him lately, and he didn’t hold back. Burr called out “nerds” in the tech industry, saying they’re taking over politics and building robots because they “don’t know how to talk to hot women.” He accused figures like Musk of trashing Earth while planning to escape to other planets. Conservatives quickly blasted Burr for hypocrisy and pandering to left-wing talking points.
Burr’s rant targeted Musk’s growing influence, claiming tech elites are “replacing us” while avoiding real-world problems. But critics like Dave Rubin slammed the comments as scripted “theater” designed to please liberal audiences. Rubin argued Burr, once known for edgy anti-woke humor, has switched sides to chase fame and TV spots. “He’s giving the machine what it wants,” Rubin said, pointing out Burr’s newfound criticism of free speech advocates like Musk.
The backlash grew as conservatives highlighted Burr’s double standards. Days earlier, Burr had praised Luigi Mangione, a man arrested for murdering a healthcare CEO. Rubin called this “disgustingly hypocritical,” noting Burr attacks Musk as a “Nazi” but cheers violent left-wing activists. “Celebrating murder while calling Musk authoritarian is dangerous,” Rubin said, accusing Burr of ignoring facts to push partisan narratives.
Even Burr’s history of mocking politicians backfired. While he joked that lawmakers are “set up to be bribed,” conservatives noted he now aligns with shows like The View, which Rubin called “out of touch” with everyday Americans. Critics argued Burr’s shift mirrors Hollywood’s liberal bias, where comedians gain fame by bashing conservative figures like Musk instead of holding both sides accountable.
Burr’s supporters, including left-leaning outlets like The Young Turks, defended his jokes as a wake-up call about tech giants. But conservatives countered that Burr ignores Musk’s fight for free speech on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). They highlighted how Musk’s reforms allowed diverse voices, unlike previous censorship targeting conservatives. Burr’s claim that Musk “flags” critics’ accounts was dismissed as exaggerated—especially since Burr himself still posts freely.
The incident exposed deeper divides about comedy and politics. Rubin argued Burr’s “fake outrage” aligns with left-wing attempts to silence Musk, who conservatives view as a free speech champion. Meanwhile, liberals frame Burr’s jokes as bold truth-telling. But critics say Burr’s routine has grown lazy, swapping sharp observational humor for cheap shots at easy targets like Musk.
Ultimately, conservatives see Burr’s View appearance as proof Hollywood rewards conformity over creativity. By attacking Musk and cheering radical activists, Burr embodies the hypocrisy of celebrities who lecture Americans while ignoring real-world consequences. As Rubin put it, “He’s playing with fire—and losing credibility fast.” The backlash shows voters are tired of entertainers pushing divisive politics instead of unifying humor.
