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Article snippet: The HBO late-night host Bill Maher apologized on Saturday for using a racial epithet during an interview with Senator Ben Sasse, Republican of Nebraska, on a live broadcast of his show on Friday night. HBO denounced the remark as “completely inexcusable and tasteless,” and said it would be edited out of future airings. Shortly after 10 p.m. on Friday, Mr. Maher, the comedian and host of HBO’s “Real Time,” was talking to Mr. Sasse on his program about the boundaries between adolescence and maturity, and how adults in California still dress up for Halloween. When Mr. Sasse said this did not happen in his state, Mr. Maher said, “I’ve got to get to Nebraska more.” Mr. Sasse replied: “You’re welcome. We’d love to have you work in the fields with us.” Mr. Maher said: “Work in the fields? Senator, I’m a house nigger. No, it’s a joke.” Some audience members were heard to groan while others clapped. Neither Mr. Maher nor Mr. Sasse addressed the comments further at the time, and the conversation moved to other subjects. Mr. Maher said Saturday in a statement: “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.” HBO issued its own statement on Saturday, saying, “Bill Maher’s comment last night was completely inexcusable and t... Link to the full article to read more