Comedian Jon Stewart defended comedian-podcaster Joe Rogan, calling the backlash toward Rogan an “overreaction” and a “mistake.”
Stewart made a distinction between Rogan and “right-wing ideologues,” saying Rogan is open to correcting himself when he is wrong.
“There’s no question that there is egregious misinformation that’s purposeful and hateful, and that being moderated is a credit to the platforms that run them,” Stewart said on a podcast episode of The Problem with Jon Stewart. “But this overreaction to Rogan, I think, is a mistake.”
Stewart discussed the importance of engaging with people with whom one might disagree.
THE ROCK BACKS UP JOE ROGAN, AGREES WITH EFFORT TO SHOW DIFFERENT OPINIONS
“You have to engage. How do you not engage with people?” Stewart asked. “The whole point of engagement is clarification. … I will never give up on engagement.”
Stewart blamed the algorithm as the true driver of misinformation.
“Misinformation will always be out there, but if the algorithm drives people further and further down the rabbit hole, the f***ing algorithm is the amplifier and the catalyst of extremism,” he said.
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Rogan’s podcast has faced stiff backlash for his interviewing of doctors who hold controversial views about coronavirus vaccines that conflict with information provided by government sources.
