On Friday night’s episode of HBO’s Real Time, host Bill Maher responded to guest Sen. Ben Sasse’s question, “Would you like to come work in the field with us?” with the N-word.
“Work in the fields?” asked Maher. “Senator, I am a house n—er.”
Sasse, who chuckled at the comment, appeared on the show to promote his new book, TheVanishingAmericanAdult. He appeared to bypass what Maher said and didn’t comment on the use of the word.
As the audience applauded his reply, Maher stated that it was a joke, but Twitter users were quick to jump on the HBO host’s comment.
Eliot Spitzer, Rebecca Traister, Jim VandeHei and Tristan Harris also appeared on Friday night’s show.
Watch the segment below.
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day
