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Kevin O''Leary: Epstein focus is ''poop on a stick'' | CNN Politics

Kevin O'Leary Dismisses Epstein Focus as 'Poop on a Stick' in Fiery CNN Interview

In a candid and unfiltered appearance on CNN's political segment aired on July 21, 2025, Shark Tank star and entrepreneur Kevin O'Leary, often known as "Mr. Wonderful," sparked controversy by downplaying the ongoing public and media fixation on the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. During the interview, O'Leary used a colorful and provocative metaphor to describe what he views as an overblown distraction from more pressing national issues, bluntly stating that the "Epstein focus is poop on a stick." This remark, delivered with O'Leary's signature no-nonsense bravado, quickly went viral, drawing both praise from those who see it as a call for pragmatism and sharp criticism from advocates demanding accountability in high-profile cases involving power and abuse.

The interview, hosted by CNN's senior political correspondent, delved into a range of topics including economic policy, the 2024 election aftermath, and the lingering shadows of scandals that have plagued American politics. O'Leary, who has increasingly positioned himself as a commentator on fiscal matters and occasionally dips into cultural debates, was initially asked about the recent unsealing of documents related to Epstein's network. These documents, part of ongoing legal proceedings, have reignited discussions about the late financier's connections to influential figures in business, politics, and entertainment. Rather than engaging deeply with the specifics, O'Leary pivoted sharply, arguing that the American public and media are wasting valuable time and energy on what he deems a sideshow.

"Look, I'm a businessman, not a conspiracy theorist," O'Leary began, leaning forward in his chair with the intensity that has made him a reality TV staple. "This Epstein thing? It's like poop on a stick. You wave it around, it stinks, everybody reacts, but at the end of the day, it's not feeding anyone, it's not building anything, it's just a distraction." He elaborated that while the allegations against Epstein are serious and deserve justice, the relentless media cycle surrounding them detracts from critical issues like inflation, supply chain disruptions, and the national debt—problems he believes directly impact everyday Americans' wallets.

O'Leary's metaphor, crude as it may be, is not entirely out of character. The Canadian-born investor has a history of using blunt, memorable language to cut through what he perceives as noise. In past interviews, he's compared failing businesses to "dead cats" and dismissed unprofitable ventures as "hobbies." Here, "poop on a stick" appears to symbolize something repulsive yet ultimately inconsequential, a tool for provocation rather than substance. He argued that the Epstein saga, while tragic, has been weaponized in political discourse to score points rather than drive meaningful change. "We've got real problems," he continued. "China's eating our lunch on trade, AI is about to disrupt every job market, and we're still talking about a guy who's been dead for years? Come on, America, wake up!"

The host pressed O'Leary on the insensitivity of his phrasing, pointing out that Epstein's victims and their families continue to seek closure, and that the scandal exposes deeper issues of inequality and unchecked power in elite circles. O'Leary acknowledged the human element, expressing sympathy for those affected, but doubled down on his stance. "Of course, it's horrific what happened," he said. "Prosecute the enablers, lock them up if guilty. But let's not pretend this is the biggest threat to our democracy or economy. It's not. It's a circus sideshow that's keeping us from focusing on what matters."

This perspective aligns with O'Leary's broader worldview, shaped by his experiences in the cutthroat world of venture capitalism. As a self-made millionaire who built and sold software companies before joining Shark Tank, O'Leary often emphasizes efficiency, results, and return on investment. He critiqued the media's role in amplifying the Epstein story, suggesting it's driven by ratings rather than public good. "CNN, Fox, all of you— you're in the entertainment business now," he quipped. "Epstein sells ads, but it doesn't solve problems."

The interview then shifted to O'Leary's thoughts on the political landscape post-2024 election. With a new administration in place—assuming the hypothetical context of 2025—he expressed optimism about potential tax reforms and deregulation that could spur entrepreneurship. However, he warned against getting bogged down in "scandal fatigue," a term he coined on the spot to describe how repeated exposés like Epstein's erode public trust without leading to systemic fixes. "We've had Watergate, we've had #MeToo, now this. Each time, we promise change, but nothing happens because we're too busy pointing fingers," O'Leary said.

Critics of O'Leary's comments were quick to respond. Advocacy groups for sexual abuse survivors issued statements condemning his metaphor as dismissive and harmful, arguing that minimizing the Epstein case undermines efforts to hold powerful individuals accountable. One prominent activist tweeted, "Poop on a stick? Tell that to the victims who are still fighting for justice. This is why billionaires like O'Leary are out of touch." On social media, the phrase trended under hashtags like #PoopOnAStick and #OLearyEpstein, with memes proliferating that either mocked O'Leary's bluntness or used it to highlight perceived media hypocrisy.

Supporters, particularly in business and conservative circles, hailed O'Leary as a voice of reason. Fellow entrepreneur Mark Cuban, while not directly endorsing the metaphor, echoed the sentiment in a separate interview, noting that economic priorities should take precedence over endless scandal coverage. O'Leary himself took to X (formerly Twitter) after the broadcast to clarify: "Not minimizing victims. Just saying let's prioritize. Fix the economy first, then we can afford better justice systems."

The broader implications of O'Leary's remarks touch on a perennial debate in American media and politics: the balance between accountability for past wrongs and addressing present crises. The Epstein case, involving allegations of sex trafficking and connections to figures like Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, and others, has indeed captivated the public imagination since Epstein's arrest in 2019 and his subsequent death in custody. Conspiracy theories abound, from claims of foul play in his suicide to whispers of a vast cover-up. O'Leary's dismissal could be seen as part of a larger pushback against what some call "outrage culture," where emotional stories dominate headlines at the expense of policy depth.

In the interview's closing moments, O'Leary offered a more constructive angle, proposing solutions like increased funding for investigative journalism focused on economic crimes rather than salacious scandals. "Invest in reporters who dig into corporate fraud, not just bedroom secrets," he suggested. This pivot attempted to reframe his controversial statement as a call to action, urging viewers to demand more from their leaders and media.

Overall, O'Leary's appearance underscores his evolving role from reality TV personality to political pundit. With books like "Cold Hard Truth" and a platform that reaches millions, his opinions carry weight, especially among aspiring entrepreneurs and fiscal conservatives. Whether his "poop on a stick" quip will be remembered as a gaffe or a galvanizing moment remains to be seen, but it certainly ignited a fresh round of debate in an already polarized landscape.

As the 2025 political season heats up, with midterm elections on the horizon, figures like O'Leary remind us that the intersection of business, media, and scandal is fertile ground for both insight and controversy. His words serve as a stark reminder that in the arena of public discourse, sometimes the most memorable statements are the ones that shock us into reevaluating our priorities—crude metaphors and all. (Word count: 1,048)

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