Bill Maher took a break during the latest episode of HBO real time in honor of his friend Salman Rushdie, who was shot on Friday before giving a lecture in western New York.
Maher sat down with guests Piers Morgan and writer Ricky Schlott, explaining at the beginning of the segment that his mind was on the offensive. Rushdie, whose 1988 novel satanic verses Considered a blasphemer by many Muslims, he was on a respirator and likely lost an eye in the attack, his agent Andrew Wiley said in a statement on Friday.
“First, I have to say something: it’s a personal thing, but it’s also national news,” Maher said. “My dear friend, a good friend on this show, Salman Rushdie, was shot today. I’m sure people saw this news.”
Maher went on to discuss feelings around the Islamic faith. “Islam is still a much more fundamentalist religion than any other religion in the world, and that means they take seriously what’s in the holy book,” said the presenter. “And it’s been dangerous for a long time, it’s still dangerous. It was in 1989 when it was first threatened.
Morgan responded by saying that free speech in America was threatened and likened Rushdie’s attack to comedians Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock, who appeared on stage earlier this year.
“Ask Dave Chappelle: he was attacked onstage for having an opinion, for making a joke,” Morgan said. “Ask Chris Rock, who got punched for an Oscar prank. As soon as he turns violent, the crazy Salman Rushdie stabs him on stage in New York.”
Police have named Hadi Matari, 24, of Fairview, New Jersey, as the suspect in the shooting in Rushdie’s death. Matar was arrested at the scene and police have yet to establish a motive.
Source: Hollywood Reporter
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