The outspoken podcaster Joe Rogan, host of The Joe Rogan Experience and one of the most influential voices in modern media, finds himself at the center of a heated controversy. This time, the backlash stems from comments he made regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine during a recent episode featuring former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Rogan’s statements, which included sharp critiques of U.S. support for Ukraine and disparaging remarks about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have ignited widespread debate. Adding fuel to the fire, retired Ukrainian boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko has publicly accused Rogan of “repeating Russian propaganda.”
“If they can pump billions of dollars into Ukraine, they can create opportunity in Baltimore or Detroit.” – Joe Rogan pic.twitter.com/rbXqAyJmfU
— Jackson Hinkle 🇺🇸 (@jacksonhinklle) July 13, 2023
This unfolding dispute brings into focus the complexities of media influence, the responsibility of public figures in shaping public opinion, and the sensitive geopolitical tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine. Rogan, whose podcast consistently ranks among the most popular globally, is no stranger to controversy. However, his latest remarks have sparked international criticism and raised questions about the role of influential commentators in addressing global conflicts.
The Controversial Remarks
During his interview with Donald Trump, Rogan criticized President Joe Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to launch strikes on Russian soil using U.S.-supplied missiles. Rogan expressed concerns that such actions could escalate the conflict into a global catastrophe, saying, “How are you allowed to do that when you’re on your way out? Like, the people don’t want you to be there anymore. This should be some sort of a pause for significant actions that could potentially start World War III.”
Rogan also turned his attention to Zelenskyy, mocking the Ukrainian president’s recent assertion that Russian President Vladimir Putin was “terrified.” Rogan’s colorful language included an expletive-laden critique of Zelenskyy, where he accused him of behavior resembling that of someone under the influence of cocaine. Rogan referred to previous claims, widely debunked as Russian disinformation, that Zelenskyy was a drug user.
Joe Rogan to Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people fighting off a Russian genocide while Russia is also trying to destroy the US and the West from within: Fuck you Zelenskyy and fuck you Ukrainians.
No, fuck you @joerogan ! Fuck you, you genocide supporting piece of shit! pic.twitter.com/hkUBfZaxG5
— Kvist.P 🇩🇰🇺🇦 (@kvistp) November 24, 2024
“This is cocaine-like behavior,” Rogan said. “Putin’s terrified? He’s got nuclear weapons, you f—ing monkeys.” These remarks, combined with his endorsement of Trump as the best candidate to resolve the conflict, drew immediate backlash. Critics have pointed out that such language not only disrespects Ukrainian leadership but also aligns with narratives commonly promoted by the Kremlin.
Wladimir Klitschko’s Response
Wladimir Klitschko, the Ukrainian boxing legend and brother of Kyiv’s mayor Vitali Klitschko, took to social media to challenge Rogan’s remarks. In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Klitschko accused Rogan of amplifying Russian propaganda and undermining Ukraine’s struggle for survival.
“You talk about these American weapons being sent to Ukraine, which you believe will lead to the Third World War,” Klitschko said in the video. “So let me tell you that you’re repeating Russian propaganda. Putin’s Russia is in trouble, so they want to scare you and people like you.”
Klitschko emphasized the resilience and sacrifice of Ukrainians in defending their nation against Russian aggression, which was originally expected to result in a swift victory for Moscow. He asserted that Rogan’s statements play into the hands of Russia’s attempts to weaken Western democracies.
“Putin’s Russia wants to destroy Ukraine quietly. They want America to stay quiet,” Klitschko added. “A great America is not an America that abandons countries that defend freedom with their lives.”
. @joerogan , I disagree pic.twitter.com/tSGvwUnXOQ
— Klitschko (@Klitschko) November 24, 2024
To conclude his message, Klitschko invited Rogan to discuss the issue on his podcast. “If you invite me on your podcast, we could discuss these points like free men,” he said.
The Reaction on Social Media
Klitschko’s video quickly gained traction, amassing millions of views and sparking widespread debate. A prominent Rogan fan account dismissed Klitschko’s remarks as a publicity stunt, asking if the video was merely an attempt to get on the podcast. Klitschko responded by challenging Rogan’s willingness to engage in dialogue, stating, “We would only meet in the podcast ring, not the boxing ring. Let’s do it! What are you waiting for?”
The incident also drew commentary from other prominent figures. Ukraine’s former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba addressed Rogan directly in a post on X, saying, “Freaking at Ukrainians without giving them a chance to speak isn’t a fair fight. If you ever feel like having a real conversation, let’s sit down and chat about anything Ukraine-related—dragons included. Cigars on me.”
Rogan’s Influence and Responsibility
Joe Rogan’s platform has often been celebrated for its candid and unfiltered discussions. However, with great reach comes great responsibility. Public figures like Rogan are not only entertainers but also influential commentators whose opinions can sway public sentiment. Critics argue that such influence requires a higher standard of accountability, particularly when discussing matters as consequential as war and international diplomacy.
Joe Rogan argues Ukraine is trying to start WW3, tells Zelensky “fuck you”
Russia has been bombing Ukraine for 1003 days in a row. Where was this energy @joerogan when Putin bombed Kyiv’s main children’s cancer hospital? Just massacre after massacre of Ukrainian innocents but… pic.twitter.com/6Lz7KroFJO
— Drew Pavlou 🇦🇺🇺🇸🇺🇦🇹🇼 (@DrewPavlou) November 23, 2024
Rogan’s endorsement of Donald Trump as the solution to the conflict adds another layer of controversy. Trump’s perceived closeness to Vladimir Putin and his history of polarizing statements on Ukraine make his approach to the war a contentious topic. By aligning himself with Trump’s views, Rogan has further fueled the debate over his comments.
