Bill Maher is an equal-opportunity atheist.
He speaks boldly and plainly against all religion.
Other Hollywood liberals attack Christians and Jews because they won’t attack back.
Maher is simply too smarmy to think about his own physical harm.
It isn’t bravery. He’s just a dick.
I suggest that it is both. Maher is not stupid. He's got to realize that he's taking a risk in speaking out. Yet he continues to speak out. He makes me ill most of the time (that's goes to the second part of your description).
But on the topic of islam, he has my admiration, and my deep respect.
Pretty much how I think...........