Forbes just released their list of the highest-paid podcasters of 2026, and with a reported $82 million in earnings, Joe Rogan is at the top. But it looks like another celeb just doesn’t get the podcaster’s appeal.
Comedian Chelsea Handler replied to Forbes’Instagram post of the list, bashing Rogan: “Who is paying Joe Rogan 82 million? Give that to our vets, or our children! 82 million to be completely uninformed and say ‘whoopsie doodle’ every time he’s wrong, which is frequent?”
Of course, her comment didn’t go unnoticed, and critics pounced on the slam with snap-backs of their own, such as, “You’re quite successful are you going to give up a part of your fortune or just count other peoples money and tell them what to do with it?”, “He doesn’t suggest anyone do what he says or should feel how he feels. He has people on he finds interesting and has a conversation. Why does that bother you? Your comments seem to stem from being bitter!” and “How about you lead what you are preaching about by giving your fortunes to needy people.”
The backlash continued as others called Handler “a jealous sore loser”, “the biggest hater,” and a “hack.”
This isn’t exactly the first time Rogan has caused controversy. His conservative commentary, outspoken guests (on ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’), and vaccine skepticism have all given the public pause and led to other celebs speaking out against him.
In 2022, iconic musician Neil Young removed his tracks from Spotify in protest of Rogan’s podcast (which is also on Spotify). At the time, Young posted a letter on his website reading, “They can have Rogan or Young. Not both.”
While Handler bashed Rogan’s place as the highest-paid podcaster of 2026, she didn’t have anything else to say about the other people on Forbes list. At least, not publicly and not yet.
Forbes list also includes TBPN’s John Coogan and Jordi Hays ($70 million), The Diary of a CEO’s Steven Bartlett ($45 million), Crime Junkie’s Ashley Flowers ($42 million), SmartLess’ Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes ($37 million), The Mel Robbins Podcast’s Mel Robbins ($34 million), New Heights’ Jason and Travis Kelce ($35 million), Call Her Daddy’s Alex Cooper ($32 million), Pod Save America’s Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor ($28 million), The Breakfast Club’s Charlamagne Tha God ($27 million), and Armchair Expert’sDax Shepard ($25 million).
Other notable names on the list include Amy Poehler ($24 million), Jay Shetty ($21 million), Tucker Carlson ($20 million), Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo ($18 million), and Andrew Huberman ($18 million).
As of now, Rogan has not replied to Handler’s comment.
This story was originally published by Parade on Jul 31, 2026, where it first appeared in the Celebs section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
