Left-wing HBO host Bill Maher made comments on Friday night about the death of libertarian billionaire and philanthropist David Koch, saying that he was glad that Koch was dead and that he hoped his death was painful.
News of the 79-year-old’s death sent shock waves through the world of politics and media, with those on the political Left celebrating with glee over his passing.
In a clip flagged by NewsBusters’ Brent Baker, Maher said: “Yesterday David Koch of the zillionaire Koch brothers died … of prostate cancer. I guess I’m going to have to re-evaluate my low opinion of prostate cancer.”
“Fuck him. The Amazon is burning up,” Maher continued. “I’m glad he’s dead and I hope the end was painful.”
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Koch Industries released a biography on Koch after his passing that celebrated his life and documented a specific life event that changed his life and led him into philanthropy:
On February 1, 1991, David was aboard a USAir flight when it collided with a SkyWest plane upon landing at Los Angeles International Airport. Altogether, 35 people died and 29 were injured. David survived. Surrounded by smoke and fire, he barely escaped the burning cabin through a galley door at the front of the plane.
“I was amazed that I had survived this accident. Thinking back on it later, I felt that the good Lord was sitting on my shoulder and that He helped save my life because He wanted me to do good works and become a good citizen,” David told Barbara Walters in 2014. “Following that revelation, I became tremendously philanthropic, and I intend to continue being very philanthropic the rest of my life.”
In total, David has pledged or contributed more than $1.295 billion to cancer research, medical centers, educational institutions, arts and cultural centers, and public policy organizations.
Maher’s comments sparked widespread outrage online, with many saying that his remarks either crossed the line or noting that Koch will have done more with his life than those who are cheering his death.
Fox News’ Greg Gutfeld tweeted: “so @billmaher said he’s glad david koch died, and his audience applauded. evidence of a needy phony and a gleeful mob uniting. Koch was a generous libertarian, whose millions went to fight disease. he did more for the world in a day, than Maher will do in his lifetime.”
Dana Loesch tweeted: “Wait until Bill finds out the dude didn’t like and refused to endorse Trump, then he’ll love him”
NewsBusters’ Vice President Dan Gainor tweeted: “This is what media has become. News and entertainment are the same — garbage. @billmaher is the left.”
Journalist Kimberly Klacik tweeted: “Wow. This is low. Even for Bill.”