Something extraordinary occurred on episode #2303 of the Joe Rogan Experience: someone finally pushed back. Not just anyone. Douglas Murray, a conservative British political commentator known for his sharp tongue and refusal to back down, did not simply nod along like most guests. Instead, he confronted the UFC commentator head-on. Murray cut through the comfort with a direct critique of the kind of people Rogan has been bringing on his show.
He didn’t dance around it either. With comic Dave Smith sitting just a few feet away—who is no stranger to the show or its devoted audience—Murray accused the JRE host of giving the mic to those who spread misinformation. He focused on Darryl Cooper, the podcaster who made headlines for naming Winston Churchill as the true criminal of World War II. Douglas Murray was having none of it. While Joe Rogan and Smith attempted to dismiss Cooper’s comments as controversial but harmless, Murray shut them down: “There’s some point at which ‘I’m just raising questions’ stops being valid. You’re not raising questions; you’re telling people something.”
But the argument became even more heated when the topic went to the present Israel-Hamas conflict. Smith, a Jewish grandson of a Holocaust survivor, chastised Murray for exhibiting “selective empathy” by supporting Israel but displaying little care for Palestinian citizens. Murray did not back down. In fact, he doubled back, claiming Smith shouldn’t claim to be an expert if he hadn’t visited Israel or Gaza. The room stiffened up. It was more than just a political debate; it was personal, and the tension was obvious.
MMA: UFC 274 – Weigh Ins, May 6, 2022 Phoenix, Arizona, USA UFC announcer Joe Rogan during weigh ins for UFC 274 at the Arizona Federal Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports, 06.05.2022 15:07:43, 18218608, NPStrans, UFC, Joe Rogan, MMA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMarkxJ.xRebilasx 18218608
The online dispute quickly spread to social media. Some complimented Murray for doing what few others have done: calling out Joe Rogan in his own studio. Others accused him of arrogance, claiming he was attempting to control who could speak on hard matters. But what was the majority saying? Well, we surely got a lot of fan reactions to come to a definitive answer about this one heated situation from the Joe Rogan Experience.
Fans rally against Douglas Murray for views on Joe Rogan’s podcast
While some admired Douglas Murray’s bravery, the general reaction was not so positive. Many listeners expected a true intellectual challenge to Joe Rogan rather than a shouting match disguised as one. For those expecting a fight of ideas, Murray’s felt more like a performance full of theatrics than a genuine debate. Instead of going against the UFC commentator’s points with serious criticism, several believed Douglas Murray came out as self-important. As one fan frankly said, “I’ve never seen anyone talk so much and say so little.” Another user added, “That guy could teach Douchebag 101, no matter the subject.”
That sentiment continued to grow. Fans weren’t simply unimpressed; they were irritated by Murray’s tone and approach. His persistent insistence on expertise, particularly when dismissing others who shared opinions, did not sit well. A user insulted him, saying, “You’re not an expert… well, you don’t need to be an expert, but you’re not an expert.” The quote captured a contradiction in Murray’s stance that many found absurd. Another fan commented sarcastically, “Wait, are you a d——– expert? I didn’t think so; shut the f— up.”
The irony was not lost. While Douglas Murray questioned other people’s qualifications, fans were now doing the same to him. One viewer even quipped, “Finally, someone dumber and less funny than Joe.” But arguably the most significant replies were those laced with disappointment rather than mockery. Some fans sincerely wanted someone to counter the JRE host’s opinions, but Murray simply wasted the opportunity. “I was excited to listen to someone challenge Joe and his views,” a fan wrote, “but just thought Douglas used very childish methods to try and debate.” Others criticized his hypocrisy, citing his own history. “The guy who wrote a book on identity politics and the rise of woke politics is now the woke guy on behalf of Israel,” wrote one user.
In a scathing comparison, someone said, “If you think this guy is an idiot, I’d love to know what you think of Rogan himself.” The reactions surely were brutal and persistent, making it evident that, while Murray talked loudly, many listeners did not believe he said much at all. But what do you think? Do you believe that Douglas Murray was able to stand his ground and win the debate against Joe Rogan and co.? Let us know in the comments.
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