“Everyday Display” host Jon Stewart mentioned Apple discouraged him from interviewing Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan whilst he was employed by the tech giant.
In a new job interview with Khan that aired late Monday on Comedy Central, Stewart claimed Apple leaned on him to avoid conversing to Khan, who took around as head of the FTC in 2021.
“I needed to have you on a podcast, and Apple requested us not to do it,” Stewart claimed. He continued: “They pretty much explained, ‘Please really don’t speak to her,’ having absolutely nothing to do with what you do for a residing. I think they just … I didn’t imagine they cared for you, is what happened.”
Stewart experienced a brief stint on Apple Television set from 2021 to 2023 with a clearly show known as “The Difficulty With Jon Stewart,” which had an accompanying podcast. The partnership ended above innovative distinctions past fall. Stewart returned to Comedy Central as a element-time “Everyday Exhibit” host in February.
“Like, what is that sensitivity?” Stewart requested Monday. “Why are they so fearful to even have these discussions out in the general public sphere?”
Reps for Apple did not instantly respond to a ask for for remark.
Khan thanked Stewart for the job interview on X on Tuesday early morning.
“Many thanks to @jonstewart for getting me on to communicate about @FTC’s do the job to lessen the price tag of asthma inhalers, the worth of holding company executives accountable for lawbreaking, and how monopolies can use their energy to bully, coerce, and censor speech,” she wrote.
While the FTC underneath Khan has not specially specific Apple, it has challenged other firms generally grouped below the Big Tech umbrella, most a short while ago pointing at Amazon, Google and Microsoft and their forays into artificial intelligence.
In the meantime, the Justice Section introduced a sweeping antitrust accommodate last month accusing Apple of monopolizing the smartphone industry.
And even though she was doing work for a Household subcommittee, Khan wrote a 449-webpage report calling for the separation of large tech businesses, such as Apple, comparing them to Gilded Age monopolies.
Enjoy the comprehensive interview down below:
