Comedian and radio host DL Hughley spoke against on a group of high-profile podcasters, holding Joe Rogan, Andrew Schulz, and Theo Von directly responsible for what he describes as the erosion of American democracy.
Speaking on his podcast Uncertain, Hughley did not mince words about the role he believes these media figures played in shaping public opinion ahead of the 2024 election, and the real-world consequences he says followed.
“Those podcast bros, I think they have a lot of blood on their hands,” Hughley said. “I think that they are complicit in destroying democracy.”
The comedian laid out what he sees as the only possible explanations for their conduct. He stated: “Either you thought it would go better, or you didn’t care if it went better or not, because you can’t tell me everything that is happening right now was foretold. There’s nothing that is surprising. So either you didn’t believe it, you thought it would go better, you didn’t care, or you’re stu pid.”
Hughley also recalled a conversation with astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson aboard a plane, in which Tyson told him that the level of misinformation spread through podcasts of that nature had contributed to the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives.
“I know democracy is on life support,” Hughley added. “I know thousands, hundreds of thousands of people that look like me have lost their livelihoods.”
He was particularly pointed about Andrew Schulz, noting that Black audiences played a significant role in building his platform. “I don’t think there’s an Andrew Schulz without a Charlamagne ,” he said. “And if I did something that hurt the people that put me on, I’d say something about it. I would try to make it right.”
On whether Schulz and Von were doing anything to address the harm, Hughley was blunt: “No. I think they’re playing one end against the middle. I think they’re all the same cadre of people, whether it’s the Theo Vons or the Andrew Schulzes or the Bill Mahers or… Joe. They all have a hand in this and they throw the rock and hide the hand.”
Regarding Rogan specifically, Hughley confirmed he has previously met him but said there is nothing left to say. He said, “I know democracy is on life support. I know thousands, hundreds of thousands of people that look like me have lost their livelihoods. Millions of people are de ad in terms of starving to dea th because aid was cut off. I can’t think of anything I’d have to say to you about anything.”
When asked what he would say if Rogan told him they were alike, Hughley’s response was final. He stated, “We’re not the same. I could not countenance watching the damage that I had done and not owning it and trying to make it right. People literally, this country may very well never be the same. Ever. It’s not a glib thing. It is not past. It’s not funny.”
