In a now-viral stream from earlier today, right-wing political commentator and author Matt Walsh claimed that “anime is satanic,” prompting many to react throughout the day as one might expect.

Daily Wire host on anime: "I think it's all Satanic. I have no argument for it -- I have no argument for why it's Satanic, it just seems that way to me" pic.twitter.com/LTNCluYeDR

— Jason Campbell (@JasonSCampbell) October 17, 2022

Walsh, who has stirred up controversies in the past for his contentious statements and documentary about transgender people, said his reasons for calling anime "satanic" had to do with his view that "adults really shouldn’t be watching cartoons," although he admitted having zero evidence to back up his claims.

What pisses me off more than the ludicrous "anime is satanic" comment is the "adults really shouldn't be watching cartoons in general" one. https://t.co/2tSEpGUIHh

— Media Politics (@cynic_media) October 17, 2022

Walsh appeared to be joking, and he is notably part of a group of conservative online media personalities whose public image is largely defined by sarcasm and humor. He jokingly describes himself as a “theocratic fascist” in his Twitter bio.

"Anime is satanic"

lol my brother in Christ, church is literally satanic.

— Religion or Unity? (@RoastofReligion) October 17, 2022

The satanic influence of huge anime tiddies compelled me, your honor

— Anosognosiogenesis (@pookleblinky) October 17, 2022

Whether he was being sarcastic or not, fans of anime and opponents of Walsh’s ideology posted in defense of anime, a frequently (and for many, unfairly) criticized tradition. Particularly, many defended the art form from accusations of "non-wholesomeness."

So, Anime is "Satanic" now and grown adults actually believe this guy? 🤪🚫🧠😂 Most Americans are truly stupid, deluded human beings and need to stop believing in fairy tales. Cartoons don't bewitch people, video games don't cause violence, movies don't "make" people do things. https://t.co/EuVw7br32r

— Random Snake Facts (@random_snakes) October 17, 2022

Just look at how satanic anime is! https://t.co/58Rnf71f5E pic.twitter.com/A7f1AjNgbZ

— Cultured Crusader (@CatholicXenu) October 17, 2022

If anime is satanic…. pic.twitter.com/D5KqJuCE8l

— Zambee (@ZambeeMC) October 17, 2022

Some took the opportunity to diagnose Walsh’s hate for anime as symptomatic of a bigger problem with conservatism. They argued that a lack of interest in what is unfamiliar has led to a perceived lack of conservative power in culture and art.

I know that he's probably half-joking about anime being Satanic, but this vibe overall is emblematic of why American conservatives will never have a monopoly over entertainment.

They immediately dismiss anything they're not familiar with, which is the death of creativity. https://t.co/BJpZ9MK1nK

— Oliver Jia (オリバー・ジア) (@OliverJia1014) October 17, 2022

In later tweets this afternoon, Walsh then jokingly doubled down on his claims about anime, noting that he was receiving flak for his hot take on the matter.

I’m catching some heat because I said that anime is satanic. I just want to clarify that yes it will literally lead to demonic possession in upwards of 87 percent of cases, studies show.

— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) October 17, 2022

> Calls anime satanic
> Refuses to elaborate https://t.co/pzXrYoOuX9 pic.twitter.com/xtyuxJ3kan

— ♞ 𝕊𝕥𝕣𝕪𝕕𝕖𝕣 ♞ (@StryderKnight) October 17, 2022

As of yet, there is no evidence that anime is in league with the devil.