CJ Werleman is an Australian journalist, author, and political commentator who has gone through one of the more visible ideological transformations in contemporary media: from a prominent voice in the New Atheist movement to one of its most outspoken critics, and then to a journalist whose primary focus has become documenting injustices against Muslim communities around the world. His career has been controversial, his positions consistently provocative, and his YouTube following genuinely substantial.
CJ Werleman Biography
| Full Name | Courtenay J. Werleman |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 18, 1973 |
| Place of Birth | Sydney, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian (US-based) |
| Profession | Journalist, Author, Political Commentator, Podcast Host |
| Known For | Middle East Eye columns, The CJ Werleman Show (YouTube), books on atheism and US politics |
Early Life and Background
Courtenay J. Werleman was born on June 18, 1973, in Sydney, Australia, where he also completed his education, studying journalism and English. In 2003, he relocated to Bali, Indonesia, and in 2005 was present during the twin suicide bomb attacks on Bali’s Jimbaran Beach. This experience, witnessing the aftermath of religiously motivated violence, sparked an intense interest in studying religious extremism that would shape the subsequent decade of his work.
Career Journey
Werleman initially built his career as an atheist author, publishing books sharply critical of organised religion. His 2009 debut, God Hates You, Hate Him Back, examined the Bible’s portrayal of God. This was followed by Jesus Lied (2010), Koran Curious (2011), Crucifying America (2013), and Atheists Can’t Be Republicans (2014). He was a regular contributor to Salon, Alternet, and The Contributor.
However, in October 2014, multiple instances of plagiarism in his published articles were uncovered, including unattributed material from Fareed Zakaria, Robert Pape, and others. Werleman acknowledged some instances. Alternet removed his articles from their archives, and the controversy damaged his reputation.
In the years that followed, he underwent a significant shift. He became a vocal critic of the New Atheist movement in his 2015 book The New Atheist Threat, arguing the movement had developed anti-Muslim bigotry. He then transitioned into journalism focused on Muslim minority rights in India, Myanmar, and the Palestinian territories. By the 2020s, he had built a YouTube channel, The CJ Werleman Show, with nearly 700,000 subscribers. He continues to write for Middle East Eye, Byline Times, and other publications.
Personal Life
Werleman moved from Australia to the United States in 2012 and is based in Southern California. He appears to have a daughter, based on social media references, though he keeps his family life largely private.
Net Worth
His net worth has not been publicly confirmed. Income comes primarily from his YouTube channel, podcast subscriptions, freelance journalism, and book royalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is CJ Werleman from? Born in Sydney, Australia, now based in Southern California.
What happened with his plagiarism controversy? In 2014, multiple instances of unattributed material were discovered. He acknowledged some, and Alternet removed his articles.
What is his YouTube channel about? The CJ Werleman Show covers human rights issues affecting Muslim communities globally.
What books has he written? God Hates You Hate Him Back, Jesus Lied, Koran Curious, Crucifying America, Atheists Can’t Be Republicans, and The New Atheist Threat, among others.
What religion is CJ Werleman? He identifies as an atheist.
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