Bill Maher criticizes Nike's Super Bowl ad as 'zombie lie' about women's sports

Bill Maher criticized Nike's Super Bowl 2025 commercial featuring prominent female athletes like Caitlin Clark and Sha’Carri Richardson, labeling it a 'zombie lie' that perpetuates outdated narratives about the patriarchy. During an episode of 'Real Time with Bill Maher', he expressed skepticism over the commercial's messaging, questioning when women were last told they couldn't be confident, and suggested the ad reflects a disconnect with the American public. His guest, Pamela Paul, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the pervasive 'girl power' messaging is no longer relatable and feels defensive. Despite the backlash from Maher and his panel, the commercial has been well-received in other circles, noted for its emotional appeal and strong visuals. Nike's ad was its first in decades to air during the Super Bowl and reportedly became the brand’s most-watched video shortly after its release. Maher linked the commercial's themes to broader issues within the Democratic Party, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in political messaging.