What did Ben Stiller say during the ‘Comics for Kamala’ fundraiser? Actor faces mass backlash over “Jewish guy” remark

Actor, comedian, and filmmaker Ben Stiller is facing mass backlash for his “Jewish guy” remark during the ‘Comics for Kamala’ virtual fundraising rally for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign on August 5.

“You know, I am Jewish and Irish. I wish I was black. Every white Jewish guy wishes he was black. You know, get out there and vote and donate and take advantage,” the Tower Heist star quipped.

During the live stream, which has now garnered severe online traction, Ben Stiller praised the Vice President, extended his support for her in the upcoming election, and even personally contributed $ 150,000 to her campaign.

However, that did not prevent X users from calling him out for his seemingly controversial comments.

“Anybody who does identity politics like this harms the country,” a person wrote.

“Is he attempting to land a position as Ambassador to hahaha land?” one person asked.

“I refuse to believe Ben Stiller behind closed doors has the same viewpoints,” another person wrote.

Others slammed Ben Stiller by referencing his 2008 satirical action-comedy directorial Tropic Thunder. In the movie, Robert Downey Jr.'s character Kirk Jackman was a method actor who underwent “pigmentation alteration” surgery to temporarily darken his skin and portray a black character in the film-within-a-film.

“Then why didn't he play the other character in Tropic Thunder??” a netizen asked.

“I wish Ben Stiller was Black too. But the role went to Robert Downey Jr.,” another netizen wrote.

“Then why didn't he cast himself as Sergeant Lincoln Osiris in Tropic Thunder?” one netizen asked.

Likewise, some labeled Ben Stiller as a “retard.”

“Why do these celebrities insist on telling everyone how f**king retarded they are?” an individual asked.

“Never go full retard,” another individual wrote.

---

Exploring Ben Stiller’s entire appearance on ‘Comics for Kamala’

On Monday night, Ben Stiller attended the Zoom-based online fundraiser for Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential campaign, 'Comics for Kamala,” hosted by comedian Paul Mercurio.

The 58-year-old New Yorker joined the call more than halfway through its nearly four-hour-long run and got the “ball rolling” by announcing his donations to the Democratic nominee’s campaign. He also insisted that he was not just “another funny guy” and reminded everyone that he was an actor and director aside from being a “comic.”

“You can trust me. Seriously, I am here because I am so genuinely excited about the potential to actually win this election. What’s happened in the last couple of weeks — the turning of the tide — that Vice President Harris could actually win this thing if we all just rally around and take advantage of this incredible energy that’s happening,” he opened his session.

“It’s beautiful when she laughs because she’s a real person… She’s also a historic candidate. It’s going to be the first woman president and that’s incredibly exciting. She’s Indian, she’s black, she’s everything. You can be more than one thing, it’s incredible,” he added.

The Zoolander star further said that he wishes to see a “decent person in the White House” and someone who “cares about democracy.” He mentioned that Harris was empathetic and humorous and lauded her for “acting like a human being” and “standing up for” gun control and abortion laws.

The Emmy winner also credited Kamala for “energizing” young voters who he claimed were not “engaged before.” He wrapped up by directly addressing the viewers and urged them to go along with the “wave of energy” forming behind Kamala Harris’ race to the Oval Office.

For those unaware, ‘Comics for Kamala’ raised over $500,000 at the end of its live stream. Besides Ben Stiller, it was attended by other actors and comedians, including Patton Oswalt, Jason Bateman, Cecily Strong, D.L. Hughley, Kathy Griffin, Jon Hamm, Kathryn Hahn, Ed Helms, John Stamos, Max Greenfield, Tom Lennon, Tom Arnold, Matt Friend, Lake Bell, Rosie O’Donnell, Craig Robinson, Trae Crowder, Danny Zuker, Maz Jobrani, Lisa Ann Walter, David Koechner, Nick Offerman, Tim Heidecker, and Chris Messina.