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Bill Maher Apologizes for Using N-Word But Killer Mike and Michael Eric Dyson’s Response Took Many by Surprise

Posted byBy Kiersten Willis | Published on: | Updated on June 6, 2017 CommentsComments (0)

Comedian Bill Maher has apologized for using the n-word during the Friday, June 2 segment of ‘Real Time with Bill Maher.” Immediate backlash erupted against him and the surprising support or lack of anger from scholar Michael Eric Dyson and rapper Killer Mike.

“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,” Maher said in a statement Saturday, June 3 after HBO deemed the incident “completely inexcusable and tasteless”. “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.”

During a segment on “Real Time with Bill Maher,” Republican Sen. Ben Sasse joked that the comic should visit Nebraska and work in the fields.

“Work in the fields? Senator, I’m a house n—–,” Maher, who in March joked about celebrating Black History Month by buying lobster with food stamps, responded.

The public came down on Maher for using the slur and HBO said it would not include the joke in subsequent airings, but two political Black figures weren’t fired up it.

Killer Mike reflected on the more important work he wanted to accomplish.

Many took issue with the rapper’s response.


Mike responded to some of the reactions explaining why his outrage was absent.

While Killer Mike’s take was less in support of Maher, Michael Eric Dyson found himself conflicted. He applauded Maher for amplifying Black voices and confidently noted that the talk show host will use the situation to “strengthen his role as an ally to Black people.”

Several disagreed with Dyson’s statement.

One Twitter user was especially outraged.

Others also weighed in.

https://twitter.com/robinthede/status/870947833683353600

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