Bill Maher opens up about scrapped Kanye West interview: 'I wouldn't air that episode'

Bill Maher is opening up about why an interview he did with Ye got left on the cutting-room floor.

The comedian and TV host reflected on his discussion with the controversial rapper, formerly known as Kanye West, in the “TMZ Investigates” special “Kanye West: Unhinged But Unstoppable,” which aired Monday. Maher interviewed Ye as a guest on his “Club Random with Bill Maher” podcast.

Maher told TMZ co-founder Harvey Levin that while the two “had an amazing, fun time,” their conversation didn’t amount to the “learning moment” he was hoping for, citing the rapper’s highly publicized antisemitic views.

Ye’s image took a significant hit in 2022 after his series of antisemitic remarks cost him significant brand deals (and billionaire status), as well as lost him plenty of public sympathy despite his mental health struggles.

But Maher, who humorously called Ye a “very charming antisemite,” said the combination of Ye’s influence in pop culture and predominantly young fanbase helped spread his harmful rhetoric about the Jewish community.

“The problem, I think, is that he appeals mostly — of course he’s a rockstar — to young people,” Maher said. “They don’t know much, and they surely don’t know much about the Middle East or Jews. … I feel like he was helpful for spreading the fertilizer, and I do mean fertilizer, for this idea that Israel and the Jews are the worst people in the world.”

In refusing to publish the interview, Maher remained adamant that he didn’t want to further amplify antisemitic sentiments. “That’s why I wouldn’t air that episode, because I’m not going to contribute to this,” he said.

In December, Ye issued an apology to the Jewish community for his past behavior on Instagram. “It was not my intention to offend or disrespect and I deeply regret any pain I may have caused," he wrote in Hebrew. "Your forgiveness is important to me, and I am committed to making amends and promoting unity."

Experts say Ye's antisemitism is uncomplicated and worthy of swift denouncement amid an otherwise complicated moment for Jews across the world as the Israel-Gaza war rages on.

"Kanye’s antisemitic slurs perpetuate fear and endanger the Jewish community," Alan Ronkin, regional director of the American Jewish Committee in Washington, D.C., told USA TODAY in December. "At a time when Jews around the world are lighting Hanukkah candles to drive away the darkness, let’s focus our attention on ending antisemitism and all forms of bigotry.”

Kanye West apologizes:Rapper posts Hebrew apology to Jewish community ahead of 'Vultures' album release

More:Kanye West, antisemitism and the conversation we need to be having

Contributing: David Oliver and Erin Jensen, USA TODAY