Killer Mike Defends Bill Maher After Host Uses Slur

Comedian Bill Maher has been taking increasing fire since uttering the N-word on the air during a live broadcast of his long-running HBO show, “Real Time With Bill Maher,” Friday night. Reaction has been swift, with prominent musicians, among others, calling on HBO to cancel the show.

Please @HBO Do Not Air Another Episode Of Real Time With Bill Maher.

— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) June 3, 2017

The word came up while Maher was interviewing Ben Sasse, the Republican senator from Nebraska. At one point Sasse invited Maher to Nebraska, saying, “we’d love to have you work in the fields with us.”

“Work in the fields?” replied Maher. “Senator, I’m a house n—. No, it’s a joke.”

After HBO denounced Maher’s use of the epithet on Saturday, calling it “completely inexcusable and tasteless,” Maher issued an apology, saying, “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.”

Later Saturday, rapper Killer Mike, who has appeared on Maher’s show several times, took to Twitter to defend Maher after being pressed by fans on Twitter to comment on the situation, writing: “black have BIGGER things than N— to concern our selves with: Black Banks, Gentrification, Economics & Trade Education. Love, My Nigga.”

Killer Mike, who makes up one half of duo Run the the Jewels along with rapper El-P, who is white, has been outspoken on politics. He was a fervent and public supporter of Bernie Sanders during the 2016 election, interviewing Sanders in his Atlanta barbershop for a six-part series leading up to the vote.

On Saturday, as several of his followers engaged him directly about Maher on social media, Killer Mike replied thusly:

Our comfort in not having a black bank, Grocery store, charter school and job sources is our real problem as I see it. https://t.co/4eqNzQ2bLs

— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) June 3, 2017

I defend the 1st 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 shit https://t.co/jn9lX4jW6O

— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) June 3, 2017

I wud and yes I’m cool with Bill. Don’t mean I agree with all he says but that joke ain’t offend me. Sorry bro. Again tho do u bank black? https://t.co/XqSgfRpPKm

— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) June 3, 2017

For all my Niggas/Niggers that wanna get me in check b4 u tweet me do u: bank black, buy black, support a black biz often. If not STFU faker

— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) June 3, 2017

He makes, Jewish, religious, sexists, political, fat and many other jokes. That’s his job. Not always funny but that is what comedians do???? https://t.co/ok55CqBPBP

— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) June 3, 2017

Yeah the 1st amendment is precious. No body and their feelings shud kill that not matter how bad I wanna kick Half of Fox News staffs ass. https://t.co/SuJawjhNHr

— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) June 3, 2017

That’s Pretty Fucking Funny coming from a comedian white or black. I just wish others will stop using that lame ass mom “N Word” as a sub. https://t.co/nTtvRkXKkF

— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) June 3, 2017