During a recent episode of his HBO program, comedian Bill Maher turned his focus on what he described as the “intolerant left,” specifically addressing critics who targeted a financially struggling lesbian bar in Massachusetts. The establishment had made the decision to adopt a mask-optional policy one night per week, a move that ignited significant community pushback.
Maher discussed the widely reported situation involving the Last Ditch Bar and Arts Venue, located in Greenfield, Massachusetts. The venue garnered national attention following reports highlighting the intense community reaction to its choice to ease its strict COVID-era mask requirement for one evening each week.
“Here's what's going on at the Last Ditch Bar,” Maher explained, noting, “It's a very woke bar, which is fine. Their mission statement [is], ‘For dykes, transsexuals, gender freaks, workers and friends.’” The comedian humorously observed, “I love the way workers and friends are fourth and fifth on the list.”
The Last Ditch Bar's Struggle
Maher elaborated on the bar's financial difficulties, referencing reports that indicated patrons often stated they could not afford the cover charge, and the bar would permit them entry regardless. “But economically, it wasn't working,” Maher stated. “Because even though there was a cover charge, if you couldn't pay, they wouldn't make you pay. Homeless, they were welcome in there. Not the cops, but the homeless. But also, it was masked.”
He further highlighted the severity of their economic challenges, mentioning that “because they're losing money, one of the owners was living in her truck.”
To prevent closure, the Last Ditch Bar opted to modify its stringent KN-95 mask mandate. According to reports, the venue decided to allow patrons inside without face coverings on Saturday nights, making that evening mask-optional.
The bar communicated this change in an Instagram post on August 31, stating, “It is with love we inform our immunocompromised disabled divas we will be opening Saturday nights as mask optional.”
Community Backlash and Maher's Response
The response from the community was immediate and strong, with many locals attending a monthly meeting on September 11 to voice their displeasure. Virtual participants were quick to express their criticism of the bar owners' decision. The discussion then shifted when some attendees objected to the presence of a White, licensed therapist acting as a mediator.
One individual reportedly commented, “A lot of people are calling for an acknowledgment of harm and I’m hearing a WHITE therapist … center[ing] the feelings of a majority white and white adjacent staff.”
Maher expressed his disapproval of what he perceived as a lack of understanding from the bar's critics regarding the establishment’s situation, strongly condemning their apparent intolerance towards the business. “And of course, the tolerant left did what they always do — became very intolerant and left,” Maher remarked.
He then cited comments reportedly made by those criticizing the bar, including statements such as, “People like you kill disabled people in the name of your own leisure and convenience,” and “I hope your venue gets firebombed.” Maher concluded, “This is what I'm talking about. This level of hatred that is out there.”
Insights on Maher's Political Commentary
Tim Graham, an executive editor, observed Maher's critique of the political left, noting what he viewed as a pattern of hypocrisy on both sides of the political spectrum. Graham suggested that Maher often takes issue with liberals who advocate for tolerance but, in Maher's view, do not consistently practice it.
“Bill Maher has a tendency to go against the dominant grain and can be savage about left-wing intolerance even though he was a massive supporter of Barack Obama,” Graham stated. He added, “He's been very rough on organized religion, and can bring the pain to other strains of fundamentalism.”
