Political commentary, whether phrased humorously or not, receives sweeping protection under the First Amendment. That is likely to be especially true when a judge reviews a complaint that seems so filled with political references… That the presentation at issue is phrased humorously is relevant because it assures that obviously exaggerated statements will not be taken literally.
— Floyd Abrams, noted First Amendment attorney and partner at Cahill Gordon & Reindel, explaining that the recent lawsuit filed by a coal CEO against John Oliver over comments made on Last Week Tonight isn’t likely to get much traction.