Bill Maher apologises for use of racial slur on live TV

Earlier this week, comedian and TV host Bill Maher stirred up a lot of controversy on his show.

During an interview with Republican senator Ben Sasse, Maher referred to himself as a "house n*****", and there was a strong and immediate reaction to the live show online. Following the reaction, Senator Sasse took to Twitter to voice his apology for responding better in the moment:

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

HBO, the station that airs Maher's show, declared that the use of language was "completely inexcusable and tasteless" and that they would be editing the "joke" out for future repeats. Maher then released a statement himself: "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."