Bill Maher apologises, HBO brands slur “inexcusable and tasteless.”

HBO is under growing pressure to fire late night host Bill Maher after he dropped the ‘N-word’ in last
Friday’s episode of Real Time with Bill Maher.

His guest on the show was Republican Senator Ben Sasse, who asked him, “Would you like to come work in the field with us?”

Maher responded, “Work in the fields? Senator, I am a house n—.”

Variety notes the comment drew laughs and groans from the audience, but Sasse appeared to laugh along. Maher quickly added, “It was a joke.” But social media was not amused, with many calling for Maher to be fired.

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

Maher said in a statement: “Friday nights are always my worst night of sleep because I’m up reflecting on the things I should or shouldn’t have said on my live show. Last night was a particularly long night as I regret the word I used in the banter of a live moment. The word was offensive and I regret saying it and am very sorry.”

His statement follows an unrelated apology from comedian Kathy Griffin after releasing vision holding a decapitated mock image of President Trump.

Real Time with Bill Maher has not aired in Australia for several years.