When Donald Trump urged Joe Rogan to stop apologizing to "maniacs and lunatics" during COVID and N-word controversy

Joe Rogan is easily one of the most well-known personalities in the world today and is highly regarded for his work in the popular media space. While Rogan is lauded by many for his work, he's not immune to controversy and once got into trouble for his reckless use of a racial slur.

As a media personality, Rogan is widely known for hosting the world-famous Joe Rogan Experience podcast (JRE), and he also works with the UFC as a member of the commentary team. Over the course of his career, Rogan has interviewed numerous different personalities in his unique long-form conversational style.

In 2022, he found himself in hot water after someone compiled several clips from old JRE episodes showing him using the 'N-word' recklessly and without hesitation. The video ultimately went viral on social media, and many slammed the UFC commentator for his insensitivity. During this time, Rogan was also vocal about his skepticism of the COVID-19 vaccine.

While Rogan issued an apology and assured fans that his mentality had evolved, it didn't appease a large chunk of his cynics. During this period, Donald Trump offered the UFC commentator an olive branch and shared some words of support. He said:

"Joe Rogan is an interesting and popular guy, but he’s got to stop apologizing to the Fake News and Radical Left maniacs and lunatics. How many ways can you say you’re sorry? Joe, just go about what you do so well, and don’t let them make you look weak and frightened. That’s not you, and it never will be!" [H/T Yahoo News]

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When Chael Sonnen discussed Joe Rogan's "awkward" interview with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson

Last November, Joe Rogan invited Dwayne Johnson on the JRE podcast, and the two men sat down for a long conversation. It's worth noting that the UFC commentator has accused 'The Rock' of using steroids and shares a frigid relationship with the WWE superstar.

In the podcast episode, Rogan and Johnson maintained a cordial demeanor while discussing various topics like fitness, social issues, and politics. However, UFC icon Chael Sonnen believes their behavior was a facade. In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, he said:

"I told you how awkward it was to watch these two famous, successful, rich men pretending to be happy for the other one's fame, success, and richness. When Joe Rogan was at his absolute lowest, and they tried to cancel him... 'The Rock' piled on... 'The Rock' did not use the R-word, in all fairness. He did not call him a racist, but he called him a racist... and he tried to cancel him."

Catch Chael Sonnen's comments below (1:43):