American Journalist Says Islam Is Peaceful — Tense Exchange Follows After Bill Maher Presses for Clarification
A heated   on-air clash between a prominent American journalist and comedian Bill Maher is blowing up online after a discussion on Islam, extremism, and free speech turned intense.

The segment — recorded in Los Angeles in front of a live studio audience — has gone massively viral, with short clips spreading like wildfire across social media.
The journalist firmly stated: “Islam is a religion of peace.”
But when Bill Maher pushed for clarification — pressing on real-world issues like extremism, Sharia law, apostasy, and polling data on attitudes in Muslim-majority countries — the conversation quickly escalated into a tense back-and-forth.

Audience reactions ranged from stunned silence to loud cheers and boos as Maher refused to let the point slide, demanding specifics.
Key moments that sparked outrage:
Maher citing uncomfortable statistics on support for harsh punishments in some Muslim societies
The journalist accusing Maher of Islamophobia and not engaging “seriously”
Maher firing back: “We can’t have an honest conversation if we pretend all religions are exactly the same.”

The full clip is racking up millions of views, with people divided: some praise Maher for “asking the tough questions”  , while others call it unfair and bigoted.
What do you think — is this a necessary debate or crossing the line? Drop your take below!
#BillMaher #IslamDebate #RealTime #FreeSpeech #ViralClash #CultureWar