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Kara Swisher Calls BS on Wired's "Gay Mafia" Story

February 22, 2026 / 00:44

This episode discusses Wired's article about the so-called gay mafia in Silicon Valley, featuring a critique of the article's portrayal and illustrations.

The host expresses disbelief in the existence of a gay mafia, referencing past communications with Wired about the topic. They emphasize their friendship with Apple CEO Tim Cook to dismiss the notion.

Additionally, the host criticizes the article's illustration, describing it as insulting to the gay community, particularly the depiction of hands resembling penises.

TL;DR

The episode critiques Wired's portrayal of a gay mafia in Silicon Valley and its offensive illustrations.

Video

00:00:00
Wired published a story about the gay
00:00:02
mafia in Silicon Valley. They had
00:00:04
written me about it and I was like,
00:00:05
there's no such thing. There just isn't.
00:00:07
Sorry. They had contacted me years ago
00:00:08
about it and they're like, "Let's talk
00:00:10
about you and the game." I'm like,
00:00:11
"There is no I don't I'm friends with
00:00:12
Kim Cook. There's no gay mafia." But I
00:00:14
thought it was a silly idea and I still
00:00:16
think it is. And I have to say I think
00:00:18
they're going to get a lot of push back
00:00:19
for the illustration which shows two
00:00:22
hands coming out of two crotches, one
00:00:24
with a rainbow Apple watch on, but the
00:00:26
penises are hands and they're shaking.
00:00:29
So, I thought that was so [ __ ]
00:00:30
insulting to gay people. I'm sorry,
00:00:32
guys. That was a terrible illustration.
00:00:35
Why do you have penis hands? We don't
00:00:37
need penis hands.

Episode Highlights

  • Wired's Controversial Story
    Wired published a story about the supposed gay mafia in Silicon Valley, sparking debate.
    “There just isn’t a gay mafia.”
    @ 00m 05s
    February 22, 2026
  • Offensive Illustration Reaction
    Criticism of an illustration featuring 'penis hands' in the article.
    “That was a terrible illustration.”
    @ 00m 32s
    February 22, 2026

Episode Quotes

Key Moments

  • Illustration Controversy00:22
  • Penis Hands00:35

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