CNN Host Called Out by Bill Maher for On-Air Comment: The “Possibly White” Phrase Goes Viral

Yesterday, a rare but dramatic moment unfolded on American television when a CNN anchor was openly called out by veteran comedian and host Bill Maher during live coverage. The controversial subject? A seemingly harmless phrase — “possibly white” — that has become the center of debate over accuracy, bias, and how the media describes suspects in criminal cases.

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The shooting incident and the phrase that sparked debate

It all began when CNN aired breaking news about a shooting at the Blackstone and NFL headquarters in New York City. According to initial police reports, the gunman, armed with a rifle, critically injured at least three people, including an NYPD officer and a civilian. Both victims were in critical condition. After the attack, the suspect turned the gun on himself inside the building.

A CNN field reporter relayed the police description of the suspect: “male, possibly white” — a man, possibly white, with a mustache and sunglasses. This was reported while the police were still securing the scene and sweeping the upper floors of the building.

At first, this sounded like standard procedural reporting. But for Bill Maher — known for his sharp satirical commentary — the phrase “possibly white” was ripe for comedy and critique of the media’s sometimes curious word choices.

Bill Maher turns breaking news into comedy

Right after quoting the suspect description, Maher leaned toward the camera and smiled:

“This possibly white phrase is really catching on. A lot of people now want to know: am I ‘possibly white’?”

Not missing a beat, Maher turned the breaking news commentary into a short comedy segment — still with his trademark social satire — offering a list of humorous “signs” that you might be “possibly white.”

Maher’s “checklist” for being possibly white

According to Maher, if you’ve done any of the following, there’s a good chance you’re “possibly white”:

Nodded along to Wells Fargo’s hold music.

Waited in line for an artisanal chocolate chip cookie at a trendy bakery.

Used the phrase “my cheese guy” (as in, having a personal cheese supplier).

Appeared in a Subaru commercial with your Black spouse.

Tried to heal someone with a crystal.

Jogged in place at a red light until it turns green.

Taken your mistress to see Coldplay.

Each example drew waves of laughter from the live audience, and clips of the segment quickly spread across social media.

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Satire aimed at the media

Behind the jokes was a sharper message. Maher was poking fun at the media’s use of vague terminology when describing suspects, especially in cases involving race. In some instances, when the suspect is white, descriptions can be softer, even avoiding direct reference; whereas for suspects of color, the description might be explicit from the start.

The phrase “possibly white” became a symbol of this strange avoidance. Maher, with years of live television experience, had zeroed in on what he saw as the Achilles’ heel of this reporting style.

A tricky moment for CNN

For CNN, this was an awkward situation. Being publicly called out by a high-profile TV personality fueled online debates. Critics accused the network of “being overly cautious to the point of absurdity,” while defenders argued that the reporter was simply relaying the initial police statement.

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It’s important to note that in the chaos of a shooting, early information is often incomplete and subject to change. Using “possibly” is a way to avoid making false statements. However, in the context of American society — where race is a highly sensitive topic — the phrase “possibly white” was bound to ignite discussion.

Social media takes over

On Twitter (X) and TikTok, the hashtag #PossiblyWhite quickly trended. Thousands joined the “trend,” posting humorous photos or videos listing their own “possibly white” behaviors — from sipping indie coffee in minimalist cafés to wearing a Patagonia backpack to work.

This shows a modern reality: in the age of social media, a small phrase from a news broadcast can transform into a nationwide cultural phenomenon within hours.

A lesson for the media

This moment wasn’t just comedic relief — it was a reminder of the power of language in journalism. In sensitive contexts, even an offhand suspect description can be scrutinized and interpreted in multiple ways.

Maher, through humor, highlighted a larger point: the press needs to be more mindful in choosing words, especially when covering race-related topics.

Conclusion

The “possibly white” episode is a textbook example of how a minor detail in a news report can explode into a national trend — especially when amplified by a figure like Bill Maher, who knows how to blend comedy with social commentary.

While CNN might not relish this moment, it has sparked a useful discussion about how news is reported and has once again demonstrated the power of television and social media in shaping — and sometimes distorting — public narratives.

And who knows, after reading this, you might just find yourself wondering: “Am I… possibly white?”