Joe Rogan, the 56-year-old comedian and podcaster, is no stranger to controversy.
His latest Netflix special, "Burn the Boats," which debuted on Saturday night, is a testament to his penchant for pushing boundaries.
The show is rife with jokes about the transgender community, the COVID-19 vaccine, and more, reflecting Rogan's unapologetic approach to comedy.
According to The New York Post, Rogan, known for his controversial views aired on his popular podcast, expressed his thoughts on America's acceptance of trans people during the standup show. "I just want to be real clear. I believe in trans people," he declared. He went on to explain his belief in the complexity of nature and the world, and his support for adults' rights to pursue happiness. However, he also expressed his concern about the potential misuse of this acceptance.
Rogan's humor took a fantastical turn as he painted a picture of a "pervert wizard" casting a spell on the world, allowing men to enter women's locker rooms. He expressed his bewilderment at the acceptance of this new reality, calling for the establishment of standards.
The former "Fear Factor" host also shared his views on gay men, likening them to mountain lions. He expressed his appreciation for their existence but also his discomfort at the idea of being surrounded by them. Despite his jokes, Rogan insisted that he's "not even remotely homophobic," even going as far as to say, "I wish I was gay."
Rogan's skepticism of the COVID-19 vaccine was another topic he tackled in his special. He confessed that his views on vaccines have drastically changed since the pandemic. He humorously suggested that he now questions everything, including conspiracy theories about Michelle Obama and Pizzagate.
Rogan admitted that he "might have" contributed to the spread of vaccine misinformation but shrugged off any responsibility. He argued that if people were taking vaccine advice from him, a self-proclaimed "professional sh-t-talker," it was not his fault.
"Burn the Boats" is Rogan's first comedy special in six years, filmed live at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, Texas. His previous Netflix comedy specials include "Joe Rogan: Strange Times" in 2018 and "Joe Rogan: Triggered" in 2016.
Rogan's podcast, "The Joe Rogan Experience," has been a source of criticism and controversy in recent years due to his COVID-19 misinformation and anti-vaccine statements. He has also faced backlash for his use of the N-word in older podcast episodes and his comments on transgender people.
The New York Post also reported that Rogan's 2023 comments on Jews, including a statement equating Jewish people's relationship with money to Italians' love for pizza, have caused discomfort among some Spotify staffers.
Despite the controversy surrounding him, Rogan's "Burn the Boats" continues to stream on Netflix, reflecting the comedian's enduring appeal and his audience's appetite for his brand of humor.
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