Bill Maher has faced controversy over remarks about the 9/11 hijackers. Specifically, in a 2001 episode of Politically Incorrect aired shortly after the attacks, he said the hijackers “were not cowards,” which sparked widespread backlash, led to protests, and eventually contributed to his firing from ABCDisney/Disney-owned affiliates. He later clarified that his criticism targeted government policy and not the brave service members who defend the country, and he apologized for how the comments were phrased. The incident remains a notable moment in discussions about free speech, media, and wartime patriotism.