Joe Rogan broke his podcast’s usual format on Tuesday to deliver an emotional apology to his longtime friend and fellow comedian Theo Von. The apology came at the end of an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience featuring billionaire venture capitalist Marc Andreessen. Rogan addressed a controversy that had erupted after a recent episode in which he discussed Von’s past use of antidepressants and a video of Von talking about suicidal thoughts.
“I wanted to do this because… well, number one, because I feel bad. And whenever I feel bad about something, and I felt bad about it all weekend, I feel like I have to address this,” Rogan said, visibly emotional. He explained that during a prior episode with musician Marcus King, the conversation turned to King’s own struggles with depression and suicidal ideation. In an attempt to relate, Rogan brought up Von’s history with antidepressants, saying it “freaks” him out. He also referenced a 2025 video in which Von told an audience member, “I’m trying not to take my own life.”
Von, who has been open about his mental health battles, responded on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the episode aired, writing, “Sad to see this kinda stuff. Im doing great. Im a human being which is a rocky ride. But im doing fine thanks.” That post was shared alongside a clip of Rogan’s comments. The comedian’s reaction sparked widespread discussion among fans and in the media about whether Rogan had overstepped by discussing a friend’s private struggles without consent.
Rogan acknowledged the misstep in his apology. “I certainly shouldn’t have brought that up in that context and I probably shouldn’t have brought it up, period,” he said. He also clarified the context of the 2025 video: Von was taping a comedy special that was not going well, and a person in the audience had asked him to make a video for suicide prevention. “It’s my fault. It’s clunky and I was just trying to talk him off the ledge,” Rogan said.
The podcaster emphasized that he had already apologized to Von privately and that their relationship remains strong. “I apologized to Theo. He knows I love him and he said that and we laughed and we joked around about it and I apologized for the way I talked about this,” Rogan said. However, he felt the need to also address the public backlash, which included accusations that he was “covering for Israel” when he pushed back on Von during a previous episode in which Von expressed distress over videos from Gaza.
Rogan rejected that characterization, explaining that his concern was purely for Von’s mental well-being. “It wasn’t like covering for Israel and it wasn’t trying to paint him out like he’s damaged or treat him like a child. I just want him to be okay,” Rogan said. He added that he has had personal experience with friends whose struggles ended badly, leaving him with the haunting question, “What could I have done?”
The incident highlights the unique pressures of long-form podcasting, where conversations often veer into sensitive territory without careful planning. Rogan himself noted this: “You don’t think sometimes when you are in the middle of a podcast. You’re having a conversation, you don’t think about the impact that it’s gonna have. That’s one of the reasons why, you know, podcasts are so weird because like you’re in the middle of trying to be entertaining, but you’re also just having a conversation and I fked up because I felt so badly about it.”
This is not the first time Rogan has faced criticism for comments made on his show. Over the years, he has been scrutinized for spreading misinformation about COVID-19, making controversial statements about race and gender, and platforming guests with fringe views. However, the apology to Von is notable because it represents a rare moment of public vulnerability and accountability from a figure who typically avoids apologizing. Rogan acknowledged his imperfections: “I’m a human and I’m flawed like all of us and I fk up and it’s probably not the last time. It’s definitely not. I’m going to fk up again. But my intention is never to hurt anybody, ever.”
The relationship between Rogan and Von dates back years. Both are prominent figures in the comedy world, often appearing on each other’s podcasts and social media. Von, known for his unique storytelling style and Southern charm, has been candid about his upbringing, his father’s death, and his ongoing battles with addiction and depression. Rogan has frequently praised Von’s talent and authenticity. In a 2023 episode, Rogan called Von “one of the most interesting and funny people I’ve ever met in my life.”
Von’s response to the controversy was measured. He did not escalate the situation publicly but instead used his platform to remind followers that he is doing well. His tweet was seen as both a defense of his own mental state and a subtle critique of Rogan’s handling of the topic. Fans on both sides weighed in, with some defending Rogan as a concerned friend and others accusing him of exploiting Von’s vulnerability for content.
The broader conversation around mental health in the comedy industry has gained momentum in recent years. Comedians like Pete Davidson, Robin Williams, and Marc Maron have opened up about depression and suicide, prompting discussions about the pressures of the profession. The use of antidepressants is a particularly sensitive topic, as many comedians have reported mixed experiences with the medications. Rogan himself has been a vocal critic of certain pharmaceutical treatments in the past, though he has also acknowledged the benefits for some.
Rogan’s apology also underscores the power dynamics in celebrity friendships. As the host of the most popular podcast in the world, Rogan commands a massive audience. When he talks about a friend’s personal struggles, it can have real consequences. Von’s career, while thriving, could be affected by public perception. By apologizing so publicly, Rogan may have helped mitigate any potential damage. The gesture also serves as a lesson for other podcasters who might consider discussing friends’ private lives on air.
The timing of the apology is also significant. Rogan’s show is in a period of transition, with a new deal at Spotify and ongoing debates about content moderation. This incident may further inform how the podcast handles sensitive topics moving forward. Rogan’s willingness to break the fourth wall and directly address his audience about a mistake suggests a maturity that some critics have called for in the past.
In his monologue, Rogan said, “He’s an awesome person, a great friend, and one of the most interesting and funny people I’ve ever met in my life. And I just felt terrible about it.” He also mentioned that he would not bring up Von’s mental health publicly again, respecting his friend’s privacy. “I told him I would never bring it up publicly again, but I think it is important to let people know that aspect of it. So I’m gonna call him and clear this with him and make sure he’s cool with me saying this, but I’m pretty sure he is gonna be.”
The incident has once again put a spotlight on the responsibilities of influential media personalities. As podcasting continues to grow, the line between entertainment and harm becomes harder to navigate. Rogan’s apology may serve as a template for others who find themselves in similar situations: acknowledge the error, apologize privately and publicly, and commit to doing better. Whether this will change how Rogan and other podcasters handle sensitive topics remains to be seen, but for now, Rogan has done something unusual in the world of digital media: he took full responsibility.
Watch above via The Joe Rogan Experience (Rogan addresses the Theo Von controversy at 3:03:14).
Source: Yahoo Entertainment News