HBO, Bill Maher Respond to Host's Use of Racial Slur

As the internet fills with calls for Bill Maher's firing, both HBO and Maher himself have responded to the controversy following the host's use of the N-word during Friday's episode of Real Time. In a statement to the Hollywood Reporter, HBO calls Maher's comment "inexcusable and tasteless" and "deeply offensive." It says it will be removing the comment from all future airings of the episode. Meanwhile, Maher says his use of the slur kept him up Friday night. “Last night was a particularly long night as I regret the word I used in the banter of a live moment," he says in a statement to the New York Daily News. "The word was offensive and I regret saying it and am very sorry.” It's the first time Maher has apologized after making a controversial statement. (More Bill Maher stories.)