Joe Rogan blasted for 'terrible' joke during stand-up routine as viewers brand it 'atrocious'

Joe Rogan has been called out for his 'terrible' joke during a stand-up routine as fans on social media have made their feelings clear.

UFC commentator Rogan, 57, is not just one of the most popular podcasters in the world but also a comedian.

He had no intention of being a professional comedian but was a fan of comedy from a young age and his interest grew after watching Richard Pryor's special Live on the Sunset Strip.

Pryor's set left an impression on Rogan, who recalled watching that moment from his childhood.

"It was Richard Pryor, he performed, he did a concert special in the theatre and I think it’s his greatest performance," he said.

"I was laughing so hard, and I remember very clearly, looking around at all these people, and they were falling out of their chairs laughing."

He added: "I remember all the funny movies that I’d seen, like stripes, all the great comedies... Nothing compared to this, and this guy’s just talking."

Rogan, who released his first comedy special, I'm Gonna Be Dead Someday..., in 2000, amplified some of his more controversial views that he has discussed on his podcast with his 2024 comedy project titled 'Burn the Boats'.

During his routine, Rogan touched on his skepticism of COVID-19 vaccines and recalled his experience when he contracted the disease.

"COVID was just so strange," he said. "And we lost a lot of people during COVID, and most of them are still alive.

"There’s a lot of people that I don’t f**k with anymore. Before COVID, I would have told you that vaccines are the most important invention in human history.

"After COVID, I’m like, 'I don’t think we went to the moon. I think Michelle Obama’s got a d*ck. I think Pizzagate is real. I think there’s direct energy weapons in Antarctica'. I’m just kidding - I don’t think Michelle Obama’s got a d*ck, but I believe all of that other sh*t."

Joe Rogan: "When I got COVID the first thought I had was, 'Oh my God you better not die. I talked so much sh*t!'" pic.twitter.com/k95QspSaMr

— Joe Rogan Podcast News (@joeroganhq) July 2, 2025

But viewers were left unimpressed with Rogan's routine and took aim at his 'terrible' COVID-19 joke.

One X user wrote: "What part are we meant to laugh at?"

A second said: "He’s so terrible at stand up."

A third added: "His stand up don’t work for me but he’s awesome podcaster."

Another commented: "Love Joe but comedy isn’t his thing lol."

'Burn the Boats' was taped live at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, Texas, and was Rogan's first comedy special since 2018's 'Strange Times'.