Bill Maher is facing a firestorm of conservative criticism after the comedian slammed Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow in a Christmas Eve tweet. Conservatives across the U.S. are calling for a boycott of the political commentator’s HBO show, Real Time With Bill Maher, following his tweet after the Boncos 40-14 lost to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday —
“Wow, Jesus just f***ed #TimTebow bad! And on Xmas Eve! Somewhere in hell Satan is tebowing, saying to Hitler “Hey, Buffalo’s killing them.”
The atheist comedian, who in 2008, took on the world religions in his documentary Religulous, drew some colorful backlash for his anti-Tebow tweet, notably from Fox News’ Eric Bolling:
“Bill Maher is disgusting vile trash. I can’t even repeat what he just tweeted about Tebow..on Christmas Eve. #straighttohellBill.”
Tebow, who has amazed many football fans with his prowess on the football field, has gained mass notoriety for being devoutly religious, and has popularized the term “tebowing” — as in getting down on a knee and praying as events, such as a football game, still unfold around you.
The often politically incorrect Maher, has never shyed away from courting the wrath of the conservative right. Last year he began releasing embarrassing old clips of tea party darling and political hopeful Christine O’Donnell from her appearances on his previous talk show Politically Incorrect and earlier this year there were calls for his ouster from HBO came after he discussed “hate sex” with GOP candidates Michele Bachmann and Rick Santorum.
Tebow himself didn’t seem affected by Maher’s tweet, writing on Twitter after the game,
“Tough game today but what’s most important is being able to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas everyone GB2.”
Bill Maher has yet to comment on the controversy. Meanwhile, a movement to boycott his HBO political commentary series is developing across Twitter. Real Time with Bill Maher returns to HBO on January 13.
