This weekend’s episode of Real Time With Bill Maher will go down in history as one of the veteran, Emmy-nominated talk show’s most memorable episodes. However, the former host of Politically Incorrect was just that when he used the n-word, referring to himself in a conversation with Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse. Attempting to make a joke, the 61 year-old New Yorker responded to an offer from Sasse to “work in the field” alongside him with, “Work in the fields? Senator, I’m a house nigger.” Some members of studio audience clapped to the joke, while others groaned, but in living rooms around the world, there were gasps, and outrage.

In response, Chance The Rapper was among the Hip-Hop artists calling for Maher’s termination from HBO. Slug of Atmosphere, DJ Pooh, and others showed their distaste for the veteran comic and TV host.

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A day after the episode aired, Maher apologized publicly. “The word was offensive and I regret saying it and am very sorry,” he said in a statement. HBO released their own apology, deeming Maher’s words “completely inexcusable and tasteless.” Reportedly, this episode will not be aired again on Home Box Office.

As the future of Real Time With Bill Maher and its host remains to be determined, somebody from the Hip-Hop community who defended him was Killer Mike. The Run The Jewels MC had made some memorable appearances on the show. Online, Mike agreed that the remarks deserve outrage. However, he does not agree with the punishment suggested by Chance, Black Lives Matter’s DeRay McKesson, and others.

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Saturday morning, Mike reacted after Twitter followers explained what Maher had said:

Mike appears to suggest that this is a distraction from other, more pressing issues:

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The Atlanta, Georgia MC also reminded those outraged that Maher is a comedian. Louis C.K. and Lenny Bruce are among other non-Black comedians who have used the word in their act, albeit in separate contexts.

Online, people accused Mike of defending an industry friend:

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The R.T.J. MC publicly admitted difference of opinion with Maher on past issues:

The rapper returned to his point on distractions:

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Notable Hip-Hop guests in the past on Bill Maher include Talib Kweli and Nas. Maher also appeared in the Kid ‘n Play episode of Unsung.