Last Week Tonight host John Oliver offered Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas an insane amount of money to walk away from the nation’s highest court.
The HBO late-night star propositioned Thomas with “One million dollars a year for the rest of your life, if you simply agree to leave the Supreme Court immediately and never come back.”
The British comedian was accused of trying to “bribe” the Supreme Court Justice by social media users.
“He should be arrested for bribing a Federal judge,” Ashley Sinclair wrote.
“Get the f*ck off the Supreme Court!” John Oliver offers Clarence Thomas a luxury motor coach, and $1 million a year, to resign from the Supreme Court. (Video: HBO) pic.twitter.com/LUVD6zC5o3
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) February 19, 2024
“Under 18 U.S. Code § 201 John Oliver could be fined $3+ million for this bribery offer AND spend a maximum 15 years in federal prison,” someone tweeted in response to his Sunday night monologue.
However, Oliver claimed that according to the legal experts his show consulted with, he was not breaking any laws.
“Which seems crazy to me because it really feels like it shouldn’t be,” he remarked.
“But as they keep pointing out, there are no rules in place to stop me from doing this.”
The HBO star proved he was serious by showing his audience the contract that was awaiting Thomas’ signature.
“If you watch our show, you know jokes aren’t really our thing. This is real,” he assured. “A million dollars a year until you or I die.”
I just love Justice Thomas.
The legend grows. pic.twitter.com/75Bkx0eHOh— Big Fish (@BigFish3000) February 21, 2024
“Clarence Thomas is arguably the most consequential justice on the court right now, and he’s never really seemed to like the job,” Oliver stated.
“He said, ‘It’s not worth doing for the grief.’ So, what if he can keep the luxury perks he clearly enjoys without having to endure all of that grief,” he added.
Oliver was referencing Thomas’ years-long relationship with Republican billionaire Harlan Crow, who has paid for the Justice to jet-set with him all over the world for the last two decades.
Crow has also allegedly gifted Thomas’ nephew with $100,000 in tuition, and bought the house his mother resided in.
“Lot on your plate right now, from stripping away women’s rights to hearing January 6 cases … you deserve a break, you know, away from the meanness of Washington,” Oliver addressed Thomas.
“So you can be surrounded by the regular folks whose lives you made demonstrably worse for decades,” he tacked on.
Thomas has come under heavy fire from liberals, who have blamed him for the overturning of Roe v Wade, and his unwillingness to recuse himself from January 6 Capitol riot cases.
Left-wing critics believe he should, due to his Conservative activist wife Virginia Thomas’ claims that the 2020 election was stolen.
“The good news is, I think we can help you with that because since your favorite mode of travel might be in need of an upgrade,” Oliver offered.
“We are excited to offer you this brand new top-of-the-line cray boat marathon motor coach,” he said about a luxury tour bus that was included in the contract.
Oliver further proved his seriousness about the proposition by attaching a time limit to the insane proposal.
“So that’s the offer. $1 million a year, Clarence,” he went on. “And a brand new condo on wheels. And all you have to do to return is sign the contract and get the f*** off the Supreme Court.”
“Talk it over with your totally best friend in the whole world. Because the clock starts now. Thirty days, Clarence. Let’s do this!” Oliver urged.
The Last Week Tonight host made it very clear that the proposition was his idea and sole responsibility.
“And let me be clear: HBO is not putting up the money for this. I am personally on the hook,” he concluded.
“You can make me really regret this. I could be doing standup tours to pay for your retirement for years.”