NEWSBill Maher Says Ben Affleck Refuses to Return to His Show After 'Emotional' 2014 On-Air Clash
Bill Maher said he still 'loves' Ben Affleck despite their fallout.
Aug. 18 2026, Published 12:12 p.m. ET
Bill Maher confirmed Ben Affleck has refused to return to Real Time With Bill Maher ever since their infamous, viral on-air clash regarding Islam.
During a recent episode of his "Club Random" podcast, Maher revealed that he extends an invitation to the movie star "every year" to return to the show, but the Oscar-winning actor has consistently declined.
The fallout stems from a highly emotional October 2014 episode of Real Time. Maher and guest Sam Harris, an author, philosopher, neuroscientist and podcast host who is widely known as one of the key figures of the "New Atheism" movement, made sweeping criticisms of Islam, arguing that liberals fail to stand up against theocracy and illiberal principles in the Muslim world.
Inside the Clash
Ben Affleck has allegedly declined Bill Maher's invite to return to his show.
Affleck, who was also a guest, visibly lost his temper.
He forcefully blasted Maher's and Harris' arguments as "gross," "racist" and "nuts,” adding, “It’s like saying ‘those shifty Jews.’”
Maher admitted the debate “got exaggerated and…for some reason it got emotional. And that’s what people love. More people mentioned that episode to me than anything. It wasn’t the best episode we ever had, but it got emotional with a movie star. That’s America.”
Ben Affleck got into a heated argument about Islam on a 2014 episode of 'Real Time With Bill Maher.'
While Harris previously revealed he and Affleck privately "buried the hatchet" over the exchange, the late-night host noted he has never had that same opportunity.
Despite the ongoing rejection, Maher maintained that he still "loves" Affleck and wished they could make amends, though he also joked with his guest, Max Amini, about The Rip actor's high-profile divorce from Jennifer Lopez.
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Bill Maher Pokes Fun at Ben Affleck's Romance With Jennifer Lopez
Bill Maher joked about the movie star's romance with Jennifer Lopez.
“I mean it’s… I love him,” Maher admitted. “But we just are gonna disagree on that one. I may, you know, if I talked to him privately or it’s been 12 years, maybe I think there’s a middle ground.”
Amini quipped that if Maher ever managed to lure Affleck back, he should suggest to the twice-divorced actor a “temporary marriage,” which, in Islamic law, is a fixed-term marriage contract.
The comedian hopes to get to a 'middle ground' with Ben Affleck.
“That’s perfect, the way that came around to that. That’s hysterical. You’re right. If anybody could use the temporary marriage —just for J.Lo,” Maher said.
The father-of-three has been married and divorced twice, first to actress Jennifer Garner and later to Lopez.
Affleck's representatives have not publicly commented on Maher's recent podcast statement.
