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HBO condemns ‘inexcusable’ Bill Maher remark

by Julia Manchester - 06/03/17 1:11 PM ET

HBO on Saturday condemned its host Bill Maher’s “inexcusable and tasteless” use of a racial slur the previous night.

“Bill Maher’s comment last night was completely inexcusable and tasteless,” HBO said in a statement. “We are removing his deeply offensive comment from any subsequent airings of the show.”

NEW: HBO calls Bill Maher’s use of racial slur on last night’s show “completely inexcusable and tasteless”: https://t.co/IQzurEUJqH pic.twitter.com/r320j9KP56

— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) June 3, 2017

The comedian had Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) on his show “Real Time with Bill Maher” Friday when he joked he was a house slave. The comment came in response to Sasse joking he wanted Maher to work in the fields in Nebraska.

{mosads}

“I’ve got to get to Nebraska more,” Maher replied.

“You’re welcome. We’d love to have you work in the fields with us,” said Sasse.

“Work in the fields? Senator, I’m a house n–ga,” Maher responded.

While Sasse did not respond during his appearance, he condemned Maher’s slur afterwards on Twitter, saying “free speech comes with a responsibility.”

Am walking off a redeye from LAX.
3 reflections on @billmaher
1. I’m a 1st Amendment absolutist. Comedians get latitude to cross hard lines.

— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) June 3, 2017

2. But free speech comes with a responsibility to speak up when folks use that word. Me just cringing last night wasn’t good enough.
(2of4?) https://t.co/e4Bw8s8tV2

— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) June 3, 2017

3. Here’s what I wish I’d been quick enough to say in the moment: “Hold up, why would you think it’s OK to use that word?…
(3of4?) https://t.co/mQL6wMEd7W

— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) June 3, 2017

(4of4)
“…The history of the n-word is an attack on universal human dignity. It’s therefore an attack on the American Creed. Don’t use it.” https://t.co/kEZm5vPFHK

— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) June 3, 2017

Criticism against Maher is mounting, with some calling for HBO to fire the comedian.

And why did the audience think it was okay to laugh? And Ben Sasse doesn’t even flinch. What is happening in the world?

— deray mckesson (@deray) June 3, 2017

Please @HBO Do Not Air Another Episode Of Real Time With Bill Maher.

— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) June 3, 2017

NAN wants to meet w/ HBO asap about the normalizing of the use of the N word. I know and love Bill Maher but this is unacceptable. I will

— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) June 3, 2017

Tags Ben Sasse Bill Maher