Sophia Michaels
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John Oliver, known for his hit show “Last Week Tonight,” has secured his place as a well-loved figure in entertainment, especially after becoming a U.S. citizen in 2019. The show covers a variety of subjects, highlighting Oliver’s talents as both a host and voice actor. Despite facing several industry challenges, he continues to thrive. Yet, beyond his public persona, there are intriguing aspects of Oliver’s career that many may not be aware of.
Despite managing to maintain a clean image, there are lesser-known controversies surrounding John Oliver. From making guests uneasy to crossing lines with his pranks, there are elements of his behavior that some fans might conveniently overlook.
Controversial Commercial by John Oliver
When Donald Trump entered office in January 2017, his apparent lean towards Fox News was notable. In response, Oliver’s team decided to purchase advertising space on local D.C. channels, aiming to catch Trump’s attention. The quirky ad featured the “Catheter Cowboy,” who began discussing pain management before transitioning into significant political content.
The initial 40-second ad in February 2017 transformed into a persuasive message encouraging Trump to reconsider the Iran nuclear agreement. Although creative, this tactic of using a personal medical subject like a catheter to gain traction might not sit well with everyone, showcasing Oliver’s willingness to bend norms for his message.
John Oliver’s Prank on Mike Pence
In 2018, after former Vice President Mike Pence promoted a children’s book authored by his family, Oliver seized the opportunity to respond. Pence’s daughter wrote a book about their pet bunny, highlighting their conservative stance, particularly regarding LGBTQ issues. In a clever move, Oliver’s team released a parody version called “A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo,” featuring a same-sex love story, directly contrasting Pence’s views.
Released a day before the Pence family’s book, Oliver’s rendition quickly climbed the bestseller lists on Amazon. The initiative not only mocked Pence’s message but also supported causes like The Trevor Project and AIDS United, as all profits were donated.
John Oliver Faces a Lawsuit from a Coal CEO
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In 2017, John Oliver used his platform on “Last Week Tonight” to highlight the cold-heartedness of the coal industry, particularly targeting Bob Murray, the then-CEO of Murray Energy. Offended by Oliver’s remarks, Murray filed a lawsuit against him, asserting that Oliver’s words caused him significant stress, as reported by The Guardian. Oliver retorted that it seemed strange for Murray to claim such stress given his company’s involvement in a mining accident in Utah that killed nine miners. The lawsuit also meant that Oliver was temporarily barred from discussing the case or Murray, so it wasn’t until 2019 that he could finally share the outcome.
Initially, a West Virginia court dismissed the suit, but Murray opted to appeal before ultimately dropping it altogether, coinciding with his company declaring bankruptcy. With the legal cloud lifted, Oliver returned to his show, emphasizing how such lawsuits are designed to inflict distress on defendants. Utilizing HBO’s platform, he poked fun at Murray while advocating for those he has targeted legally, concluding his follow-up episode by committing to support “not just ourselves but every small publication and individual [Murray] has sued.”
