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Comedian and podcaster Theo Von inadvertently became the subject of online amusement this week after a segment from his recent guest appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast went viral. The clip reminded many viewers of a scene from the comedy series Arrested Development.
The humorous incident unfolded as Von and Rogan were entertaining various conspiracy theories. While agreeing with Rogan on the secretive nature of powerful entities, Von shared an anecdote he believed exposed a Hollywood connection to U.S. intelligence.
Von recounted a tale from a construction worker who claimed a new high-rise near Hollywood was set to accommodate both a major talent agency and the CIA. This, Von suggested, was proof of their collaboration to deceive the public.
The twist? Observers quickly pointed out the construction worker likely mentioned CAA, the Creative Artists Agency, a prominent talent agency in Los Angeles, rather than the CIA. This revelation led to a flood of amused reactions online.
The discussion began with Rogan expressing his frustration over the dismissal of conspiracy theories, stating, “It bothers me when smart people refuse to acknowledge that conspiracies are not only real but quite common.” He continued:
“They’re common, and people get away with them, especially when they’re in positions of extreme power, like running intelligence agencies,” Rogan began, adding:
“And there’s a lot of things that they do that are morally reprehensible but totally legal…”
Von responded, “But are they? Why is it our FBI and CIA are working against us? That’s what it feels like. They’re just tricking us about it.”
After more back-and-forth on intelligence operations and manufactured cases, Von launched into his now-infamous anecdote:
“And, you know, I remember one day I was walking in the Century City Mall…”
Rogan called it “a weird mixture,” while Von continued to insist Hollywood and intelligence agencies can blend fiction and reality in ways people don’t notice.
Online, though, the reaction was less philosophical and more… facepalm.
The Atlantic’s Yair Rosenberg chimed in, “Theo Von here is confusing the talent agency CAA (Creative Artists Agency) with the CIA. Don’t get your news or worldview from charismatic know-nothings! Do get some laughs at their expense.”
Podcaster Danny Gold added, “lol. he’s talking about CAA, the talent agency, whose offices are across the street from the mall. Theo Von is the perfect encapsulation of a conspiracy podcaster, just a moron all the way through.”
And that was just the beginning. Below are some additional replies:
You can watch Theo Von’s full appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast above.