'He gets a pass from me': Fans support Bill Maher at Indy show after racial slur

Show Caption Hide Caption Bill Maher apology for his use of the "N-word" Comedian Bill Maher is expressing regret over his use of an ethnic slur of Friday’s edition of Real Time.

Less than 48 hours after using a racial epithet on his live show, "Real Time," Bill Maher went on stage at the Murat Theatre in the Old National Centre in Indianapolis.

Many people standing in line beforehand were also watching on Friday, but the self-proclaimed fans largely said they accept Maher's apology.

"He gets a pass from me," said Dee Moss.

"He's a comedian and it's free speech," said Kamna Agarwal.

"It was in the spirit of being funny," said Marnita Riley.

During an interview with Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., Maher responded to an invitation to visit his state and "come work in the fields" with mock indignity, USA Today reported: "Work in the fields?" Maher replied. "Senator, I am a house (expletive)."

A few people responded on Twitter by encouraging people to call Murat Theatre and cancel their tickets Sunday's show.

(800) 854-2196 Cancel your Bill Maher Concert Tickets for Sunday, Murat Theater, Indianapolis — Ken Hoag (@35start) June 3, 2017

No one the Indy Star spoke to had second thoughts about showing up Sunday. One said they were wary there might be protesters, but there was no organized opposition near the building before the show.

Susan Malasics said she and her friend were excited to see Maher's first appearance since the live show.

"Leave the comics alone, for God's sake," she said. "It's stupid."

That's not to say his fans approved of him using the slur.

"I don't think anyone should use the n-word... You shouldn't use it. Period," said Kenya Perkins, who made it clear she didn't think it was a funny joke. "But the same people who are outraged about this: Did you vote? Let's not lose focus... He said he's sorry, lets move on."

'He terrorized me':: An Indy native's torment drives her to fight for rape victims

A 10-year-old's tears: Marion County Sheriff faces pressure to stop detaining immigrants

Today: Miracle riders deliver hope on two wheels

"I really wish he wouldn't have said it, but 15 years of being his number one fan, I'm not flushing that down the toilet," said Steven Guy, from Kokomo. He pointed out the word wasn't directed toward a specific person.

It would have been different if it had been a new comic, Bill Brodnax said. To him, it was forgivable because he knows where Maher "stands on issues"

Maher apologized on Saturday in a statement 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."

HBO also apologized on Saturday: “Bill Maher’s comment last night was completely inexcusable and tasteless. We are removing his deeply offensive comment from any subsequent airings of the show.”

Navin Agarwal, from Muncie, said it was significant to him that Maher apologized within 24 hours.

Read more: Bill Maher apologizes for 'Real Time' slur: 'The word was offensive'

While some big names took to Twitter to defend Maher — including Larry King, who said there is not a "racist bone in his body" — others said HBO's response didn't go far enough.

I've been a friend of @billmaher's for years and there's not a racist bone in his body. Let's accept his apology and move on. — Larry King (@kingsthings) June 3, 2017

UNACCEPTABLE, Bill you should know better! https://t.co/hmMl7ZRema — NAACP (@NAACP) June 3, 2017

Chance the Rapper called on HBO to end the show.

Please @HBO Do Not Air Another Episode Of Real Time With Bill Maher. — Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) June 3, 2017

This appearance is just one stop on Maher's tour, which has shows scheduled through November on Live Nation. His next show is listed for June 24 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Call IndyStar reporter Emma Kate Fittes at (317) 513-7854. Follow her on Twitter: @IndyEmmaKate.