Media pundits seem to have their fair share of opinions about Bari Weiss, the editor-in-chief of CBS News. Since Weiss was named to the position by Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison in October 2025, several of her editorial and staffing decisions have come under fire. Although the Free Press founder has her share of detractors, she also appears to have colleagues, including Bill Maher. The comedian/talk show host recently recalled a conversation he had with Weiss, during which she made some significant claims.
Weiss and Maher have known each other for a little while now, with the former having appeared on the latter’s long-running HBO show, Real Time, on several occasions. Maher touched on his personal relationship with Weiss during a Vanity Fair cover story, and that piece refers to him as a “fan” of the CBS News bigwig. Amid that discussion, Maher opened up about a recent dinner he had with Weiss, and he ended up asking a question that seemed to be simultaneously serious and jokey:
