Comedian and political commentator Bill Maher is no stranger to leaving jaws dropped with his controversial commentary over the years, but some critics believe his latest bit about the ongoing trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs may have taken things too far – especially as it relates to the topic of female empowerment.

 

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Ahead of week 3 of the highly publicized trial of Combs for federal sex crimes, Maher took to his HBO series ‘Real Time‘ to discuss the “Me Too” movement and music mogul’s ex-girlfriend Cassie.

The singer-model-actress has been the star witness in the case against Combs so far as she testified about horrific treatment at his hands including physical and sexual abuse.

“If we’re going to have an honest conversation about abuse, we also have to have an honest conversation about what people are willing to do for stardom,” Maher said to scattered laughs. “If you want a number 1 record on the charts so bad you’ll take a #1 in the face, some of that is on you.”

Bill stressed throughout the segment that women of yesteryear may have had to silently suffer through abuse from men due to financial dependence or the societally imposed power dynamic, but today’s women – he argues – do not have the same excuse.

“If you’re literally being held captive that’s one thing, but if you’re putting up with whatever for love or your career then you need to have a little more honesty and accountability about that,” he said before pointing to Tina Turner‘s story as an example of a woman who overcame domestic violence.

Click PLAY on the video above to hear his polarizing statements in full.

Needless to say, Maher’s comments sparked quite the conversation across social media with many asserting his explanation of just “leaving an abuser” was oversimplified and insensitive to the plight of battered women.

At writing, he’s not responded to the controversy nor has Cassie or anyone from her camp.

[photo source: AP / HBO]

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