Bill Maher says there is one Hollywood star he has not been able to persuade back onto “Real Time” after a heated on-air argument more than a decade ago. The comedian said Ben Affleck has turned down his invitations every year since their 2014 showdown over Islam, extremism and liberal values.
Maher made the comments during the Aug. 17 episode of his “Club Random” podcast, where he spoke with Iranian-American comedian Max Amini. The pair revisited the infamous 2014 “Real Time” panel that also featured author and podcaster Sam Harris.
The original debate centered on the rise of Islamic extremism and whether liberals were reluctant to criticize illiberal practices within parts of the Muslim world. Maher argued that liberals should stand up for core principles such as free speech, religious liberty, women’s rights, minority rights and the right to leave a religion.
“All I’m saying is that liberal principles like freedom of speech, freedom to practice any religion you want without fear of violence, freedom to leave a religion, equality for women, equality for minorities, including homosexuals… these are liberal principles that liberals applaud for,” Maher said during the 2014 exchange. “But then when you say in the Muslim world, this is what’s lacking, then they get upset.”
Affleck strongly objected to Maher and Harris, arguing that they were treating ordinary Muslims as though they were responsible for the views of extremists. The “Argo” star called their arguments “racist,” “gross” and “nuts,” and compared them to making a blanket claim about Jewish people.
Maher said the confrontation became more personal than he expected. “I mean it’s… I love him,” Maher said of Affleck on “Club Random.” “But we just are gonna disagree on that one.”
Wow. I'd never seen this before. No wonder Affleck won't go back on @billmaher. He sounded like a blathering idiot. And he has been proven incorrect time and time again. Little Ben got destroyed. 😂 https://t.co/NJoizrA5Gm
— George Huxley 🐸 (@Scurraterrarum) August 21, 2026
Maher said he has invited Affleck back “every year” since the dispute. Affleck has not accepted, though Maher said 12 years may have created enough distance for both men to find some middle ground.
The host also acknowledged that some comments from the debate were exaggerated and that the exchange became emotional. He said the episode remains one of the most-discussed moments in the history of “Real Time,” largely because it featured a raw, personal clash with a major movie star.
Sam Harris later said he and Affleck had privately “buried the hatchet” after the broadcast. Maher said he has not had a comparable conversation with Affleck, leaving the door open for a possible reunion down the road.