Murray's scathing remarks about Woodward's work shed light on the ongoing debates surrounding "Wired," implicating broader concerns regarding the veracity of one of America's most renowned journalists.
Bill Murray Slams Bob Woodward's Biography on John Belushi
Bill Murray Slams Bob Woodward's Biography on John Belushi
In a candid conversation on The Joe Rogan Experience, Bill Murray criticized Bob Woodward’s portrayal of John Belushi in his book "Wired," questioning the journalist's credibility.
Hollywood icon Bill Murray recently made waves during his guest appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience by bluntly critiquing esteemed journalist Bob Woodward. Murray specifically targeted Woodward’s book, "Wired: The Short Life & Fast Times of John Belushi," which offers an account of the late comedian’s troubled life. After skimming just five pages, Murray expressed profound doubts about the book’s integrity, hinting at potential failings in Woodward's past journalistic work.
Best known for his investigative work during the Watergate scandal, Woodward based "Wired" on interviews with 217 individuals, including Belushi's widow, Judith Belushi Pisano, and former castmates from Saturday Night Live such as Dan Aykroyd and Chevy Chase. Murray, however, found the narrative unconvincing. "When I read Wired... I went, 'Oh my God. They framed Nixon,'" he stated, implying that any inaccuracies in the portrayal of Belushi could similarly undermine Woodward’s other journalistic achievements.
Despite only reading a fraction of the biography, Murray conveyed a strong aversion towards it, exclaiming, “I acknowledge I only read five pages, but the five pages I read made me want to set fire to the whole thing.” He pondered that if Woodward’s depiction of Belushi was flawed, then the integrity of his reporting on Nixon could also be questionable.
"Wired" has long been a contentious topic within Hollywood literary circles. While some hail its comprehensive research, numerous critiques from Belushi's loved ones argue that it unfairly fixates on his personal struggles, neglecting to celebrate his immense talent. Murray's recent comments add to the ongoing discourse surrounding this biography and highlight a significant concern: if one of the most prominent investigative journalists can misinterpret a story, what does that suggest about the reliability of his wider body of work?
