Bill Maher. (Danny Moloshok/Reuters)
HBO late-night host Bill Maher has found himself in hot water after using a racial slur during an interview on his show, “Real Time.”
Maher was talking to Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Nebraska) about the senator’s book, “The Vanishing American Adult,” which explores why today’s young people are unable to survive in a competitive global economy.
The conversation drifted to Halloween and how dressing up is no longer just a children’s tradition. Sasse said adults don’t do that quite as much in his state because it’s frowned upon. In response, Maher said he should visit Nebraska more.“We’d love to have you work in the fields with us,” Sasse said.
“Work in the fields? Senator, I’m a house n—–,” Maher said, raising both of his hands up. “No it’s — it’s a joke.”
The audience cheered. A smiling Sasse didn’t say anything about the comment, and the conversation moved forward.
Bill Maher just said the n word, @BenSasse didn’t look horrified, and the audience applauded. pic.twitter.com/kFAs1S3dyM
Maher’s remarks Friday night quickly attracted widespread criticism across the political spectrum. In a statement sent to
Others, including Black Lives Matter activist DeRay Mckesson and Jack Posobiec, a Trump supporter who writes for the right-wing site Rebel Media, have called for Maher to be fired. #FireBillMaher is circulating on Twitter.
And why did the audience think it was okay to laugh? And Ben Sasse doesn’t even flinch. What is happening in the world?
— deray mckesson (@deray)
Sasse also was criticized for his reaction, or lack thereof. In a series of tweets Saturday, Sasse talked about how he should’ve reacted.
“Here’s what I wish I’d been quick enough to say in…
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