Popular podcast host Joe Rogan has responded to scathing criticism from the chair of Australia’s national broadcaster, who accused him of preying on “people’s vulnerabilities” and treating the public as “plunder.”
Kim Williams, chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), launched a pointed attack on Rogan during an address to the National Press Club in Canberra on Thursday, describing the podcaster’s influence as “deeply repulsive.”
“I think people like Mr Rogan prey on people’s vulnerabilities. They prey on fear. They prey on anxiety. They prey on all of the elements that contribute to uncertainty in society, and they entrepreneur fantasy outcomes and conspiracy outcomes as being a normal part of social narrative,” Williams said.
Rogan, who boasts 17.3 million YouTube subscribers and 14.5 million Spotify followers, offered a succinct response on X (formerly Twitter): “LOL WUT”
The controversy sparked immediate reaction from tech billionaire Elon Musk, who labeled ABC Australia’s “Pravda,” referencing the former Soviet Union Communist Party’s official newspaper.
Williams’ remarks came in response to questions about Rogan’s popularity among men and his influence on the U.S. presidential election. The podcast host recently conducted a notable three-hour interview with President-elect Donald Trump, which has garnered over 52 million views on YouTube.
In a subsequent ABC radio interview, Williams doubled down on his criticism, particularly targeting Rogan’s COVID-19 pandemic commentary. He also expressed surprise at the backlash to his comments, stating, “What fascinates me is you say something negative about Joe Rogan – and I have been swarmed with the most unbelievably vicious responses.”
The controversy has highlighted ongoing debates about media influence and responsibility, with some Democrats criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris for not appearing on Rogan’s show.
