John Oliver Auctions Bidet Signed by Gwar’s Blöthar to Support Public Media Funding

John Oliver teams up with Gwar’s Blöthar to auction a signed bidet, raising funds amid public media cuts and championing beloved shows like Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street.

A Bidet with a Heavy Metal Twist Supports Public Broadcasting

If you ever thought a bidet could become a rock star relic, think again. John Oliver, the sharp-witted host of Last Week Tonight, is auctioning off a bidet signed by none other than Blöthar the Berserker—the wild vocalist of the shock-metal band Gwar. The quirky auction aims to raise money for public broadcasting, which has been struggling with government funding cuts.

John Oliver with Gwar’s Blöthar, a metal icon rallying for public media.

This unexpected collaboration came to light during an episode on November 16, when Oliver aired clips from an interview with the flamboyantly costumed band, spotlighting the Trump administration's slashes to public media budgets. True to Gwar’s outrageous style, Blöthar’s support for classic public broadcasting heroes like Sesame Street and Fred Rogers was both touching and hilarious.

When Heavy Metal Meets Mister Rogers

Watching Blöthar mention “Mr. Rogers” might sound like the start of a bizarre crossover episode, but it’s a real moment of charm on Oliver’s show. Oliver himself mused, “It is both beautiful and confusing to watch Blöthar utter the words ‘Mr. Rogers’, as it’s hard to imagine them in the same universe. Although, I’ll say, I would love to have seen Gwar on Mr. Rogers.”

Not stopping there, Oliver launched into a playful but affectionate tribute to Rogers with a twist, joking:

“Blöthar, you are special just the way you are. Your diseased undercarriage composed of abscessed-riddled penises makes you YOU!”

It’s exactly the kind of irreverent yet heartfelt humor that these two worlds—public broadcasting and metal theatrics—rarely get to share.

The Auction: More Than Just a Signed Bidet

The bidet, a Kohler PureWash M300 model, boasts a chrome handle, quiet-close lid, quick-release hinges, and a self-cleaning wand. Oliver cheekily explains, “Why a bidet, you ask? Well, respectfully, we think Blöthar could use one.” This gem, signed by the Berserker himself, is part of a broader auction on JohnOliversJunk.com.

Besides the bidet, fans can bid on a bucket of dolls, a chance to meet Oliver in New York, presidential wax figures, props from the show, and even a Bob Ross original painting titled Cabin At Sunset. The auction closes in just six days, so there’s no time to waste if you want to snatch up these unique pieces.

All proceeds will support the Public Media Bridge Fund, an initiative dedicated to backing independent media outlets, especially in rural and underserved communities.

Blöthar’s Rallying Cry Against Public Media Cuts

Back in July, Blöthar wasn’t just signing bidets; he was making noise about the harsh $1.1 billion funding cuts to public media. The cuts threatened essential services, jeopardized rural stations, and risked silencing the music and voices that keep communities connected.

Blöthar pointed out the legacy of Fred Rogers, who famously testified in Congress to defend public media’s value. Rogers’ heartfelt advocacy helped secure funding for National Public Radio, demonstrating the profound impact of shows that bring light and love into the world.

“Well, now that is on the chopping block right now,” Blöthar warned. “This could very well silence the music.”

The urgency behind this message resonates deeply, especially coming from a figure as theatrically fierce as Blöthar.

Gwar’s Controversial Stage Antics and Public Reactions

While Gwar is known for their outlandish stage shows featuring mock executions of various public figures, their Riot Fest performance in Chicago stirred up some serious controversy. The band theatrically “executed” Donald Trump and Elon Musk on stage, igniting backlash from certain audiences who deemed the act reckless.

One critic wrote, “That’s not edgy, it’s grotesque and reckless and normalizes violence against a real person.” Another comment simply accused the band of promoting “sick” behavior.

Gwar pushed back against the criticism, emphasizing the performative and absurd nature of their art. They explained that their shows are “a cartoon, it’s Looney Tunes… trying to make violence into a spectacle and show humanity’s absolute absurdity.”

“To say it’s normalizing violence is really reaching,” they said, underscoring their commitment to artistic expression over actual endorsement of real-world harm.

Why This Auction Matters Now More Than Ever

At a glance, an auction featuring a signed bidet might seem like an oddball footnote in the fight to save public media. But it symbolizes something bigger: the power of unlikely alliances between satire, art, and activism. John Oliver’s platform combined with Gwar’s theatricality shines a spotlight on the dangers facing public broadcasting—critical cultural touchstones like Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers—and the communities that depend on them.

If you love quirky collectibles, care about the survival of thoughtful media, or just want to own a piece of musical and TV history intertwined, the bidet signed by Blöthar is your chance. And even if you don’t bid, spreading the word about public media’s importance can make a difference.

FAQ

• What is the item John Oliver is auctioning to support public media?
  A Kohler PureWash M300 bidet signed by Blöthar the Berserker, vocalist of the metal band Gwar.
• Why is public media funding under threat?
  There have been government budget cuts totaling $1.1 billion, which could force rural stations to shut down or reduce services drastically.
• Who benefits from the auction proceeds?
  The Public Media Bridge Fund, which supports independent and rural public media outlets.
• How does Gwar fit into the public media conversation?
  Despite their heavy metal shock-rock image, Gwar’s Blöthar has passionately advocated for public media, highlighting its cultural importance.
• Are there other items in the auction besides the bidet?
  Yes, including a bucket of dolls, a trip to meet John Oliver, presidential wax figures, show props, and a Bob Ross painting.

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