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And bought a massive amount of student loan debt, which was immediately forgiven, giving his show the record for largest TV giveaway (taking the record from Opr

• rootlocus 9y ago
  That's a different episode [0] but indeed pretty epic. [0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxUAntt1z2c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxUAntt1z2c
• donarb 9y ago
  It was actually medical debt that at one point may have been worth $15M, but was bought for about $60,000, which is less than one half of one percent of that value. This was essentially worthless non-recoverable and out-of-statute debt. Out-of-statute debt is debt that collectors cannot legally sue for. Lots of symbolism, but no actual relief for debtors. http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2016/06/06/john_oliver_did_not_really_give_away_15_million_on_his_show.html http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2016/06/06/john_oliver_d...
  • rootlocus 9y ago
    Considering that people are still harassed for out-of-statue debt, and some even pay, there is actually some relief. Of course, not $15M relief that's certain.
    • TheCoelacanth 9y ago
      They are also harassed for debt that never actually existed, so it might not be any relief at all.
• tomjen3 9y ago
  Do the people who owe the debt get hit with a tax payment on the portion forgiven? Because if not, that may be a highly effective form of charity.