Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy #1744 Sell Outs, Shills, and Scandals: Saudi Arabia and Israel are buying the credibility they can't earn honestly
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Oct 15, 2025 
Comedian and media critic Adam Conover reflects on his controversial decision to promote a dubious crypto product, highlighting the costs to credibility in influencer culture. Meanwhile, reporter Taylor Lorenz discusses the influence of creator trips to Israel, revealing how social media personalities can amplify state narratives. The conversation dives into the ethics of comedians performing for oppressive regimes and how commercialized celebrity culture has blurred the lines of integrity and trust.
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Commercialization Replaced Counterculture
- Pop culture shifted from counterculture to advertising as celebrity endorsements normalized and multiplied.
- MTV, Super Bowl ads, and festival branding erased previous penalties for 'selling out.'
Authenticity Is A Monetized Commodity
- The creator economy rewards 'authenticity' while monetizing trauma and specificity as niche content.
- Algorithms push creators to commodify identity, blurring public and private boundaries for profit.
Adam Conover's Sponsorship Regret
- Adam Conover admitted he made a sponsored video for World Orb despite opposing crypto and AI, then publicly regretted it.
- He returned the money and used the mistake to reassert his values and critique the product honestly.