New Comedy Rules? Fat Jokes A-OK (If Aimed at Trump)

The Legacy Media melted down over a few Bill Maher jokes recently.

Why? Singer/actress Ariana Grande was Maher’s target. More specifically, her emaciated frame. That was Body Shaming 101, they cried in near unison.

Unacceptable!

During Friday’s taping of “Real Time With Bill Maher,” the host’s jab about Ariana Grande elicited cheers and a subsequent groan from the audience.

“Please, we kid,” the comedian assured the crowd.

Read more: https://t.co/Yw1QXp56h0 pic.twitter.com/b6gxCuUpOx

— TheWrap (@TheWrap) August 8, 2026

Now, the talented star appears to be struggling with something, judging by her current weight.

NOTE: This site treads very carefully when it comes to a star’s physical appearance.

It’s not out of bounds to suggest she needs help, or question whether laughter is an appropriate response to her frame.

Fine.

Yet the comedy powers that be have no problem mocking others who similarly struggle with weight. Take the Commander in Chief.

President Donald Trump’s weight is a common target for liberal comedians. Triggered progressives don’t run to his defense, attacking those gags as “body shaming.”

The reaction is more typically, “bring it on!”

That’s what singer Jelly Roll did as a “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” guest host Monday.

“It’s crazy. Think about this, y’all. In the last few years, I’ve lost 300 lb. That means I’ve lost an entire Donald Trump … And let’s be honest, based on his approval ratings, it seems like most of the country wants to do the same thing.”

President Trump has survived multiple assassination attempts.

Mr. Roll noted how Trump has tweaked other people’s weight over the years to justify the rest of his personal attacks.

“Well if that ain’t the pot calling the kettle fat … You know Mr. President, from one fat pig to another, take it from me, physical fitness is very important. Trust me, you’ll be happy to see your penis again.”

So which is it? Can we make fun of a person’s weight now? What are the rules? Yes, the President is the ultimate satirical target, but why isn’t Grande? She’s one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, famous for both her music and acting work (the “Wicked” movies and the upcoming “Focker-in-Law”).

It’s not punching down to target her, unless perhaps if she has an eating disorder. What if President Trump has a similar issue with cutting down on fatty foods? Millions would love to lose weight but simply can’t. It can be a deeply personal struggle tied to emotional wounds dating back decades.

See how many directions this can go?

Fox News’ “Gutfeld” routinely pokes fun of heavy politicians (Rep. Jerry Nadler) and “The View” hosts. He’s never one to clutch pearls at a joke or embrace the “punching down” comedy rules.

The Left clutches pearls based on the targets in question, not any high-minded morality.