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Jerry O'Connell Steps Back from Podcasts Amid Backlash

3/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Actor Jerry O’Connell is stepping back from podcasts after backlash from his Bill Maher appearance.
The Bill Maher episode covered a tense family discussion about the 2024 election, upsetting his wife Rebecca Romijn.
O’Connell said he felt cautious about his comments, attracting online criticism.
He later responded to trolls on X, admitting the situation hurt him.
Despite an initial hiatus, he later appeared on Meghan McCain’s and Kelly Stafford’s shows.

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Story summary

Actor Jerry O’Connell is stepping back from podcasts after backlash from his Bill Maher appearance.
The Bill Maher episode covered a tense family discussion about the 2024 election, upsetting his wife Rebecca Romijn.
O’Connell said he felt cautious about his comments, attracting online criticism.
He later responded to trolls on X, admitting the situation hurt him.
Despite an initial hiatus, he later appeared on Meghan McCain’s and Kelly Stafford’s shows.