Bill Maher apologises for using racial slur on Real Time

'The word was offensive, and I regret saying it and am very sorry'

(Getty Images)

Bill Maher — known for breaking taboos and previously hosting the show Politically Incorrect — angered fans over the weekend after casually using a racial slur on air.

Midway through an interview with Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse on HBO’s Real Time, the Republican jokingly asked Mayer to visit his state and work in the fields.

The host responded by saying: “Work in the fields? Senator, I’m a house n***a.” After a mixed reaction from the crowd, Mayer clarified: “It’s a joke.”

The US talk show host has since apologised for using the offensive language, saying: "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.”

Many people have called for Maher to be fired. However, according to Variety, HBO will likely not take any action against the host, who has been a mainstay feature on their network since 2003.

Sassa — who was being interviewed — Tweeted that he felt uncomfortable during the segment: "I'm a first Amendment absolutist. Comedians get latitude to cross hard lines. But free speech comes with a responsibility to speak up when folks use that word. Me just cringing last night wasn't good enough.

"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? 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.'"