Bill Maher has issued a rare apology after saying the "n-word" in conversation with Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE) on his HBO show last night. "Friday nights are always my worst nights of sleep because I'm up reflecting on the things I should or shouldn't have said on my live show," the host wrote in a statement. "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 I'm very sorry." Activists and artists like DeRay Mckessen and Chance the Rapper had called for HBO to cancel Maher's show following his use of the word. In a separate statement, a representative from HBO called Maher's comment "completely inexcusable and tasteless" and confirmed that it will be removed from future airings of the episode.

— Matt Wilstein