Comedian and "The Daily Show" host Jon Stewart asserted that Apple, which previously hosted a talk show of his, would not let him interview Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan.
Stewart made the claim in an interview with Khan on the "Daily Show," which aired Monday night. Stewart partnered with Apple TV on a show called "The Problem with Jon Stewart," which began in 2021 but ended last October over creative differences, including topics and guests, according to a New York Times report. The show had an accompanying podcast.
Stewart interviewed Khan on Monday to talk about her agency's effort to go after monopolies.
"I wanted to have you on a podcast and Apple asked us not to do it," Stewart said. "They literally said, 'Please don't talk to her,' having nothing to do with what you do for a living," he said to laughs.
"I think they just … I didn't think they cared for you is what happened," he said to more laughs before returning to the crux of his question. "Like, what is that sensitivity? Why are they so afraid to even have these conversations out in the public sphere?"
The FTC under Khan has not gone after Apple. However, the Department of Justice two weeks ago announced an antitrust lawsuit against Apple, accusing it of illegally monopolizing the smartphone market.
Stewart returned to host "The Daily Show" once a week through November's election cycle. He left the show in 2015 after 16 years.