John Oliver's cathartic, profanity-strewn response to the Paris attacks is decidedly NSFW

John Oliver has the greatest response to the Paris attack, but don't watch at work
(Image credit: Last Week Tonight)

John Oliver started out Sunday's Last Week Tonight with some fighting words for the Islamic State, which has claimed responsibility for the brutal terrorist attack in Paris on Friday. There are some things that need to be said, and "this is when it actually helps to be on HBO, where those things can be said without restraint," Oliver said. "Because after the many necessary and appropriate moments of silence, I'd like to offer you a moment of premium-cable profanity." Consider yourself warned — this may be good for the soul, but it is decidedly and proudly not safe for work.

In case you are at work, Oliver's basic message is that ISIS will lose and "France is going to endure, and I'll tell you why: If you're in a war of culture and lifestyle with France, good f—ing luck." After listing off some of the delights and debauchery France has to offer itself and the world, Oliver laid it out straight for the terrorists: "You just brought a philosophy of rigorous self-abnegation to a pastry fight, my friend." Watch below, and don't forget the headphones. Peter Weber

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up
Explore More
Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.