Comedian and TV host Bill Maher faces criticism after making a joke intended as a tribute to Dolly Parton. Multiple outlets report that the remarks are received poorly by some audiences, with commentators describing the tribute as tasteless and “bitter.” In coverage of the response, one outlet frames the joke as among the least well-received of Maher’s tributes, while another notes concerns about tone and appropriateness.
The outlets also point to the differing public reaction. One report emphasizes that the tribute drew negative feedback and backlash, while another says the comments have not, in its view, produced widespread hostility online. Together, the coverage suggests the criticism is present, but the level of broader online backlash varies depending on how outlets characterize social media response and engagement.
Overall, the story centers on Maher’s joke about Parton and the reaction it prompts from viewers and commentators, with disagreement mainly about how extensive the backlash is rather than about what was said.
