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Joe Rogan slammed for antisemitic remarks while defending disgraced Rep Ilhan Omar

'The idea that Jewish people are not into money is ridiculous, that’s like saying that Italians aren’t into pizza,' said Joe Rogan

LAKE AUSTIN, TEXAS: Podcaster Joe Rogan is under fire for allegedly "casually spouting antisemitism" after defending progressive Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. In the latest episode of 'The Joe Rogan Experience', the 55-year-old was criticizing "cancel culture" when he blasted Republicans for removing the Democrat from the House Foreign Affairs Committee due to her previous antisemitic remarks. 

He mentioned a 2019 tweet from Omar, in which the Rep criticized American backing for Israel by writing, "It's all about the Benjamins, baby." She eventually apologized for the tweet and admitted that it was antisemitic, but Rogan argued she shouldn't have done so, stating, "The idea that Jewish people are not into money is ridiculous. That's like saying Italians aren't into pizza."

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Why did Ilhan Omar tweet in 2019?

"It's all about the Benjamins, baby," Omar said in 2019, in response to criticism of her views on the US-Israel connection. The statement was denounced as antisemitic and for playing on prejudices towards Jews. Omar was expelled from the House Foreign Affairs Committee earlier this month after a vote in the House that cited a divisive statement she had made in the past. Later, she changed her mind and wrote, "I unequivocally apologize," as cited by Fox News.

What did Joe Rogan say about the tweet?

Rogan brought up Omar's dismissal in a podcast interview with Krystal Ball and Saagar Enjeti, who host 'Breaking Points'. The controversial host made fun of Rep Adam Schiff, D-Ca, for being allowed to continue his political career despite his role in allowing Russian conspiracies over the late President Trump, but then he defended Omar by referencing her comments as she left the committee. "She’s apologizing for talking about 'it’s all about the Benjamins,' which is just about money, she’s talking about money. That’s not an antisemitic statement. I don’t think that is. Benjamins are money," Rogan stated. "The idea that Jewish people are not into money is ridiculous, that’s like saying that Italians aren’t into pizza," he added.

'Solid casual antisemitism by Rogan'

Some quickly condemned Rogan's comments on social media, claiming that he was "casually spouting anti-Semitism." A critique took to Twitter and wrote, "Hi @SpotifyUK just wondering if you’re happy with your multi million dollar Podcaster #JoeRogan casually spouting antisemitism on your platform?" Another user wrote, "I actually want to stop banging the Jews Don't Count drum at some point but hard to do when a racist myth about Jews is just...said, breezily, on one of the biggest podcasts in the world and no-one gives a f**k." One user noted, "I wish it were possible to sue him for defamation to show how much “they” love money. Is it?" "Everyone is into money tho.. and also probably pizza," said another. "Solid casual Antisemitism by Rogan," remarked another user.

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