Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) canceled an upcoming scheduled appearance on HBO’s “Real Time” with Bill Maher, describing via spokesperson that host’s recent use of the “n-word” was “inappropriate and offensive.”
A spokesperson of Franken’s emailed a statement to HuffPost explaining the cancelation :
Senator Franken believes that what Bill Maher said was inappropriate and offensive, which is why he made the decision not to appear on the next episode of ‘Real Time. He was glad to see Bill, who the Senator considers to be a good friend, apologize and express sincere regret for his comment.
On Saturday, Maher apologized for saying “house n*****” the prior evening: “I regret saying it and am very sorry.”
HBO criticized Maher’s use of the “n-word” via statement: “Bill Maher’s comment last night was completely inexcusable and tasteless. We are removing his deeply offensive comment from any subsequent airings of the show.”
Racial agitators such as Deray McKesson and Al Sharpton called for Maher to face consequences. Neither McKesson nor Sharpton express similar criticisms when the n-word is used by blacks.
Franken initially took a different approach toward Kathy Griffin following the comedienne’s depiction of a mock decapitation of President Donald Trump; maintaining a previously scheduled event to promote his new book with Griffin. He subsequently disinvited Griffin, explaining his decision to Politico:
I believe what Kathy Griffin did was inappropriate and not something that should be anywhere in our national discourse. I consider her a friend and I’m glad she realized she crossed the line and apologized. After hearing from many Minnesotans who were rightfully offended, I’ve come to the conclusion that it would be best for her not to participate in the event we had previously scheduled. I understand why Minnesotans were upset by this, and I take that very seriously.
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