Bill Maher To Return To HBO Despite N-Word Controversy

Photo courtesy of EW.com

Following his use of the n-word on a recent episode of his show Real Time with Bill Maher, Bill Maher will return to host the series this week.

In a report from EW, HBO has confirmed that Maher will return to host his show on Friday, although his long-term future at the networks remains unclear. Senator Al Franken was supposed to serve as a guest on the forthcoming episode but canceled his appearance because of Maher's remarks, which he called "inappropriate and offensive." However, Ice Cube will be appearing on the forthcoming episode and wants to discuss Maher's use of the n-word, a source close to the rapper and entertainer said.

READ: Bill Maher Said The N-Word On The Latest Episode Of 'Real Time'

The ongoing controversy stems from a statement Maher made to Republican Senator Ben Sasse when the host told Sasse "I gotta get out to Nebraska more." "We'd love to have you work in the fields with us," Sasse responded, to which Maher said "Work in the fields...Senator, I'm a house ni**a."

Maher's remark did not go unchecked online, with users speaking out against the TV host's choice of words — including Killer Mike.

READ: New York Woman Running For Office Defends Use Of N-Word

The Atlanta rapper and activist shared his reaction to the incident in a string of tweets, saying in one "I defend the 1st [amendment] and I don't care how that looks. I don't like his views on Islam but I have no right to stop him from saying stupid s**t."

"My end goal is true freedom and not exhausting my life mad at white people when I can love my life loving black people," Mike said in another.

A couple of days after the tweets were made, Mike was asked by TMZ what he would have done if he were on the show when Maher used the n-word, to which he responded: "I would've punched Bill in his stomach. I would've punched Bill in his stomach and said, 'You sound stupid,' and we would've smoked a joint after. You know why, because that's what you do when your white friend does that when you're 13 and he gets a little too comfortable and says it—you punch your friend in the stomach."

Source: EW.com