Chance the Rapper demands that HBO release Bill Maher.
In case you’re playing catch-up, Maher, a comedian and host, is in hot water after using the n-word during a recent interview with Republican Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska on “Real Time With Bill Maher.”
“I’ve got to get to Nebraska more,” Maher said during the exchange.
“You’re welcome,” Sasse replied. “We’d love to have you work in the fields with us.”
“Work in the fields? Senator, I’m a house n—-,” Maher replied, drawing both groans and laughs from the audience. “No, it’s a joke,” said Maher.
Though Maher immediately issued an apology, telling “E! News,” that “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,” he continued.
Later on, HBO released a statement, saying, “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,” according to Philly.com.
Still, celebs including the 24-year-old rapper and D.L. Hughley aren’t satisfied with Maher’s lackluster response and are urging HBO to shut him down. “Please @HBO Do Not Air Another Episode Of Real Time With Bill Maher,” wrote Chance on Saturday, June 3, in a tweet that has since been re-tweeted more than 11,000 times.
“Now that #HBO apologized for #BillMahrer saying n*gga, how about they hire a few?’I ain’t seen black people on HBO since the wire! #TeamDl,” tweeted Hughley.
Meanwhile, others stood by Maher, arguing that comedians “save us.”
“Just saw @billmaher ‘racist joke’ and I have to say…f–k everybody who’s pissed,” tweeted fellow comedian Christopher Titus. “Comedians save us, jokes. politicians kill us. Wars, laws.”
What are your thoughts on the rapper calling for HBO to cut Maher — keeping in mind that fellow funny lady Kathy Griffin was recently dismissed for a controversial joke of her own? Sound off in the comment section below.
