John Oliver Responded To ‘Wounded’ Elon Musk Slamming Him For His ‘Last Week Tonight’ Takedown

Last month John Oliver devoted not a segment but to Elon Musk. Was it savage? Oh yes. Was it also kind of measured? Actually, also yes. The host found some nice things to say about him, and he painted a complex portrait of a guy who’s not as devious as he sometimes seems, despite often coming off as a “bad guy in a movie.” Musk and he, , declared Oliver unfunny.

Now Oliver’s striking back, sort of, kind of reluctantly. Before the Emmys Monday (where his show won one), ( ) to ask what he thought of Musk’s retort. He both didn’t return fire and kind of did. “You’re going to have to track him down and ask him. I don’t know. That’s a thin skin,” Oliver responded.

“I cannot possibly pretend to guess what is in that man’s mind at any time. He seems wounded.” When asked about Musk’s claim that Oliver’s no longer funny, Oliver shrugged and, with a chuckle, said, “Sure. It’s a fair argument.” Oliver agreed that Musk is “definitely sensitive, that is a biological fact.” But he didn’t know what to even make of Musk’s claim that he’s lost his edge because he panders to “wokeness.” “I don’t know what that means,” Oliver said with a laugh.

“I don’t think he could explain what that means, and I think it means nothing.” Oliver was then asked if he thinks their “relationship” is damaged beyond repair. “I would imagine the relationship between the richest man in the world — second richest — and a mid tier comedian will probably evaporate,” he replied.

(Although it’s worth noting , although he did in late 2022 after initially buying Twitter, which is still costing him money.) Oliver doesn’t too concerned that Musk no longer finds him funny, but clearly he’s fine with that. After all, we already know . You can watch ‘s chat with Oliver below.

(Via and ).