What did Van Jones say? CNN commentator Faces Backlash After Real Time with Bill Maher Appearance

CNN political commentator Van Jones is facing heavy criticism following remarks he made on October 4, 2025, during his appearance on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher. While discussing foreign disinformation campaigns and social media influence, Jones made a comment that many viewers found insensitive and offensive.

According to Deadline, Jones said: “Iran and Qatar have come up with a disinformation campaign that they are running through TikTok and Instagram that is massive. If you are a young person, you are opening up your phone, and all you see is—dead Gaza baby, dead Gaza baby, dead Gaza baby, Diddy, dead Gaza baby, dead Gaza baby.”

The remark was widely condemned online for appearing to trivialize the suffering of Palestinian civilians amid the war in Gaza.

Criticism from Journalists and Viewers

Jones’ statement quickly went viral, sparking intense outrage on social media. Many users accused him of downplaying real tragedies and spreading misinformation about the authenticity of war-related content.

NBC correspondent Hala Gorani responded directly to Jones’ comments, writing: “I’ve watched hundreds of hours of Gaza videos in the last 2 years, including content filmed by our brave teams inside the strip, and can confirm that the ‘dead Gaza baby’ images are quite real, not the product of a ‘disinformation campaign’—and there is nothing funny about them.”

Her response echoed the sentiment of many journalists and activists who found Jones’ tone disrespectful and dismissive of the human cost of war.

Van Jones Issues Public Apology After Outrage

Facing mounting backlash, Van Jones broke his silence on Sunday, October 5, through two apology posts on X (formerly Twitter).

In his first apology, Jones admitted his remarks were “flat-out insensitive”, writing: “Yeah, I messed up on this one. And I’m sorry. I was trying to raise awareness about foreign adversaries creating chaos online—but what I said was easily misunderstood, and the way I said it was flat-out insensitive. Babies are dying every day in Gaza. Nobody should dispute that fact or make light of it in any way.”

An hour later, Jones shared a second apology, directly addressing his Real Time appearance: “I made a comment on Real Time with Bill Maher about the war in Gaza that was insensitive and hurtful. I apologize. The suffering of the people of Gaza — especially the children — is not a punch line. I’m deeply sorry it came across that way.”

Jones Calls for an End to the Gaza War

In his follow-up post, Van Jones expressed sympathy for families affected by the war, saying: “What’s happening to children in Gaza is heartbreaking. As a father, I can’t begin to imagine the pain their parents are enduring. I’m praying and working for an immediate end to this war — and for peace and safety for every family caught in its path.”

Jones’ apology posts have since received over 2.5 million views each, with mixed reactions — some praising his acknowledgment, while others criticized him for not being more careful during his TV appearance.