Bill Maher Questions Media Avoiding Doug Emhoff Controversies
Real Time host Bill Maher has questioned whether it is wise for the liberal media to continue avoiding the growing controversies surrounding Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. In a panel discussion on Friday’s “Overtime” online segment of his HBO show, Maher noted that there is a lot of scuttlebutt in the news about Emhoff. He mentioned that the Daily Mail has reported allegations including Emhoff slapping his then-girlfriend in 2012 and engaging in inappropriate and misogynistic office behavior during his tenure at Venable from 2006 to 2017. Maher asked if the liberal media’s avoidance of these allegations would make it look worse if they become more credible.
CNN anchor Laura Coates responded by saying it is prudent for the media to be cautious about such serious allegations until supporting details are available. She emphasized the need to investigate thoroughly before reporting, as simply putting unsubstantiated claims into the public domain could be unfair and damaging. The Atlantic staff writer Tim Alberta described the Emhoff controversy as a problem for Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign that will need to be addressed.
Emhoff has confirmed having an extramarital affair with the family nanny and acknowledged that his actions led to the end of his first marriage. Despite these admissions, nearly every media interviewer has avoided discussing the allegations with him since the controversies broke. Emhoff has dismissed the allegations as distractions designed to take his team off their game.
