Bill Burr Executes Perfect ‘Clown Nose On’ Backpedal

Bill Burr wants it both ways. And he’s not alone.

Some satirical comics dig deep into political matters only to backpedal rather than defend their arguments.

The tell? “Hey, I’m just a comedian!”

Jon Stewart routinely uses that defense, inspiring some to call it a “Clown Nose On/Off” trick. Even Bill Maher did something similar when Patrick Bet David backed him into a corner.

This allows comedians to riff on the latest headlines without having to soberly explain their views. Others, like Jimmy Dore, are more than happy to engage in a healthy debate.

Burr pulled off just such a move on the red carpet late last month. The Boston native joined the press pool to celebrate Conan O’Brien’s Mark Twain Prize win on March 23.

The comic has been skewering Elon Musk in the most unflattering ways possible in recent media appearances. He suggested the billionaire is a Nazi, among other absurd charges. He’s used his publicity appearances to stake a hard-Left position after years of pinging between political parties.

Again and again.

Bill Burr saying we need to turn down the temperature on the rhetoric in this country.

Bro literally said “free Luigi” just the other day. Of course all the View Bobbleheads bobble along beak first pic.twitter.com/S9VwU8vJby

— S&N News, Politics and Sports (@SN1onX) March 20, 2025

He also keeps saying “Free Luigi,” referencing the young man accused of shooting a healthcare CEO in cold blood. Naturally, two reporters pressed Burr about his recent comments on the red carpet.

So how did Burr handle the questions?

“Hey, I’m just a comedian.” He didn’t say those words, but he came remarkably close.

He refused to clarify his Mangione comments to one reporter. Doing so would give her the reporter the click-bait moment she craved, he said.

Later, he continued his backpedal when a second reporter pressed him on his recent comments.

“I don’t watch the news,” Burr said, adding he prefers watching goofy videos on Instagram. You can almost see him putting that clown nose on for the reporter in question, Nicholas Ballasy.

Burr began in a humorous manner but quickly turned serious. And a tad cruel.

“I don’t think you should be asking a comedian … you’re a journalist,” Burr said before Ballasy defended his line of questioning.

“Comedians are on top of current events,” Ballasy began to say.

“No, no. That’s weak. That’s you guys passing the buck,” Burr said, cutting him off. “You guys need to have balls again which you don’t. You guys always goes, ‘Should we be thinking this?’ Duh? You guys present stuff like that. You guys used to have balls. You need to get your balls back,” Burr added before moving on. “That’s not my job. I’m a dancing clown.”

The clip may become the ultimate “Clown Nose On” example for years to come. Burr couldn’t have scripted it any better, even if he lacks the self-awareness to see what he did.

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