Bill Maher Cancels Milwaukee Show Due to Travel Issues

Comedian and talk show host Bill Maher announced on social media that he is canceling his Sunday night show in Milwaukee.

“It’s not going to happen tonight, I can tell you,” Maher said in a video posted on X, explaining that security reasons had led to the closure of downtown Milwaukee, making it difficult to reach the theater.

Maher expressed his reluctance to cancel, saying he hoped circumstances might change. He noted that he rarely cancels shows, usually only due to issues like airplane troubles or weather.

Unfortunately, Maher shared, the plane had broken down again this time.

Currently in Minneapolis, Maher attempted to book a commercial flight to Milwaukee, but it wasn’t feasible.

“I’m so sorry, but I’m not going to make the show tonight in Milwaukee. It breaks my heart,” Maher admitted. “I was really looking forward to it, we’d do anything to be there but I just can’t fight this.”

Maher was scheduled to perform at the Riverside Theater. The theater’s website announced the postponement, citing mechanical issues with Maher’s plane.

Maher, known for hosting “Real Time With Bill Maher” on HBO, was set to perform as part of his “The WTF? Tour.” In a recent interview, Maher expressed his excitement about the Milwaukee show, seeing it as an opportunity to unite people.

In the video, Maher included a man he referred to as the plane’s captain to “testify” to the situation, addressing potential conspiracy theories. The pilot, dressed in uniform and called “Steve” by Maher, confirmed the comedian’s account.

Maher ended the video with a jest to ease the disappointment of fans, saying, “you probably couldn’t have gone to the show anyway. So I guess the show is not meant to be.”

He asked for his fans’ forgiveness, promising, “I’ll see you again, Milwaukee. Love you.”

Earlier Sunday, “The Daily Show” also canceled its scheduled week of shows in Milwaukee in light of the 2024 Republican National Convention.

The Comedy Central news/satire program had planned to bring nearly the entire team to Milwaukee from Monday through Thursday, hosting shows at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. The week was to culminate in a live taping hosted by Jon Stewart, immediately following Donald Trump’s anticipated acceptance speech Thursday night.

“The Daily Show” communicated with ticket holders via email, informing them of the cancellation and the logistical challenges and evolving situation in Milwaukee that made it necessary.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Comedian Bill Maher cancels Milwaukee show citing travel problems