After Slur, Franken Cancels Appearance on Maher Show

Sen. Al Franken has a new book to promote, but he won't be doing so on Bill Maher's Real Time: The Democrat has confirmed that he has canceled his Friday appearance because of Maher's use of the n-word in an interview with Sen. Ben Sasse last week, Mediaite reports. Franken has decided not to appear because what Maher said "was inappropriate and offensive," a Franken spokesman said in a statement, per the New York Times.

"He was glad to see Bill, who the senator considers to be a good friend, apologize and express sincere regret for his comment," the rep continued. Amid calls for Maher's firing, HBO has apologized for the "inexcusable and tasteless" remark. Franken has also disinvited Kathy Griffin from a July event promoting Giant of the Senate. (More Al Franken stories.)