Bill Maher Critiques Hollywood's 'Sex Worker' Terminology After Anora's Oscars Win

Bill Maher recently criticized Hollywood's shift from using the term 'prostitute' to 'sex worker,' particularly in light of the success of the Oscar-winning film Anora, which portrays a young stripper. On his show, Maher expressed confusion over the timing of this change, questioning why it wasn't addressed sooner if it is such an important liberal cause. He argued that the term 'sex worker' sanitizes the harsh realities faced by many in the sex industry, equating it to trivializing severe issues by comparing it to benign office jobs. Maher also noted the prevalence of films featuring sex workers and questioned the implications of this trend on societal perceptions. He emphasized that many individuals in this line of work often do not have a real choice, highlighting the desperation that can lead to such circumstances. Ultimately, Maher acknowledged the artistry of the film Anora but warned against the potential harm of the language used to describe those involved in sex work.