Bill Maher’s “N-bomb” punchline triggers wave of online outrage (VIDEO)
US political satire show host Bill Maher has well and truly put his foot in it after casually dropping the “N-bomb” on his show Real Time in a cringe-inducing failed punchline. Needless to say, the online backlash has been swift and relentless.
Progressives I thought y'all loved #billmaher . Now y'all mad? I guess he got too comfortable?
— Lawrence B.Jones III (@LawrenceBJones3) June 3, 2017
During his interview with the junior Senator from Nebraska, Ben Sasse, Maher jokingly referred to himself as a “house n*gger,” following the senator’s invitation for Maher to join him working in the fields.
Bill Maher just called himself a "House Nigger" and the audience applauded. #RealTime#Racist#FamousLastWords#FuckBillMaherpic.twitter.com/r85v4Ygqkd
— James Burgos (@jamesburgos) June 3, 2017
The audience were audibly stunned before being coaxed into the requisite applause for their outspoken host.
Sasse was quick to defend Maher’s right to free speech after the comedic catastrophe.
Am walking off a redeye from LAX.
— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) June 3, 2017
3 reflections on @billmaher
1. I’m a 1st Amendment absolutist. Comedians get latitude to cross hard lines.
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) June 3, 2017
Online critics were far more vocal in their condemnation, however. The president and CEO of the NAACP described it as a “vile slur,” regardless of context.
It's remarkable how many of you white males rant about "free speech" on the n-word but wanted Colin Kaepernick fired.#BillMaher
— Charles Clymer (@cmclymer) June 3, 2017
#BillMaherpic.twitter.com/k6JdCBZEsn
— Anthony Cumia (@AnthonyCumia) June 3, 2017
Me When bill maher just casually drops the n-word #Realtime#Billmaherpic.twitter.com/VUbKu2OKL0
— Ryan Sanders (@TheKingleonidus) June 3, 2017
#billmaher self indentifying as a "house n-word?" Neither history nor comedy gives you the right to use a vile slur as violent 1 liner.@APhttps://t.co/yUrQi0n868
— Cornell Wm. Brooks (@CornellWBrooks) June 3, 2017
Fellow talk show host Geraldo Rivera called for an immediate apology from Maher. Others were more direct, calling for Maher to be outright fired from his job.
Don't like black comedians using #NWord & Cringe when white guys do it-They live for laughs-But racism's not funny #BillMaher must apologize
— Geraldo Rivera (@GeraldoRivera) June 3, 2017
Racist Bill Maher must be fired and @BenSasse must be held accountable for his endorsement of the n-word
— Jack Posobiec 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) June 3, 2017
But really, @BillMaher has got to go. There are no explanations that make this acceptable. pic.twitter.com/K5XlEjekQ9
— deray mckesson (@deray) June 3, 2017
The gaffe will be hard to live down, even in a week where Trump mashed the keypad with his hand, triggering the #covfefe memestorm and Kathy Griffin engaged in her cry-bullying spectacle following her outrageous publicity stunt with a fake severed head of the POTUS.
'I crossed the line': Comedian #KathyGriffin apologizes amid backlash over bloody #Trump beheading photo https://t.co/WHDgimlo6Bpic.twitter.com/dookdJoObE
— RT (@RT_com) May 31, 2017
Kathy Griffin: I had the worst week ever!
— Being Libertarian (@beinlibertarian) June 3, 2017
Bill Maher: Hold my beer. #BillMaher#KathyGriffinpic.twitter.com/XiYrqJKNAA
The official Women’s March Twitter account claimed that such a backlash was inevitable.
We've said it before, we'll say it again, and we'll keep saying it: #BillBye. https://t.co/URnVA6rtoA
— Women's March (@womensmarch) June 3, 2017
Media titan Oprah eloquently explained during an interview her belief that the word cannot be extricated from its violent and bloody past, and is never acceptable, regardless of context.
WATCH: For those of you who are wondering why @billmaher can't say the N-word, even in a joke, Oprah can tell you why. SMH. pic.twitter.com/NxwRAwjupT
— Yashar Ali (@yashar) June 3, 2017
It may be time for Bill Maher to institute some “New Rules” for racial slurs live on air.
It's time for #NewRules! pic.twitter.com/irMp31XLCf
— Real Time (@RealTimers) June 3, 2017
Watch: This is how Trump's #covfefe tweet blew up Twitter https://t.co/wI0BgZWFRepic.twitter.com/7haXKkCySN
— RT (@RT_com) May 31, 2017
Maher issued an apology through a representative on Saturday, but was unavailable for further comment as he was travelling, reports Variety.
“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,” Maher said in a statement as cited by Variety.
Given the severity of the online outrage, however, one can't help but feel the fallout from this incident is far from over.
