Outspoken HBO late-night host Bill Maher quickly came under fire on Friday night after using a racial slur in an interview with Republican Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska during his "Real Time" show, according to the New York Times.
The incident occurred as the two were discussing maturity and adolescence in the framework that some adults in California still dress up for Halloween.
When Sasse said this didn't happen in his state, Maher replied, "I've got to get to Nebraska more."
Sasse added, "You're welcome. We'd love to have you work in the fields with us."
Maher said, "Work in the fields? Senator, I'm a house n*****r. No, it's a joke.
The distasteful joke was met with mixed reaction. Some audience members groaned while others clapped. Neither Sasse nor Maher addressed the comments further and the conversation continued to other topics.
The slur wasn't censored when the show rebroadcast at midnight.
But really, @BillMaher has got to go. There are no explanations that make this acceptable. pic.twitter.com/K5XlEjekQ9
— deray mckesson (@deray) June 3, 2017
Maher's remarks ignited calls for his firing.
. @billmaher is a racist and bigot. @HBO must fire him this is not acceptable https://t.co/nlmFcDoWAk
— Ahmed Bedier (@bedier) June 3, 2017
Am walking off a redeye from LAX.
— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) June 3, 2017
3 reflections on @billmaher
1. I’m a 1st Amendment absolutist. Comedians get latitude to cross hard lines.
Sasse later seemingly defended Maher's remarks, citing the First Amendment.
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.
— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) June 3, 2017
(2of4?) https://t.co/e4Bw8s8tV2
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?...
— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) June 3, 2017
(3of4?) https://t.co/mQL6wMEd7W
(4of4)
— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) June 3, 2017
"...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
