Bill Maher set to be back on HBO this week

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On last Friday's episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, the liberal host made a racial slur during an interview with Republican Senator Ben Sasse. The slur was met with an immediate outcry on Twitter.

Within hours, HBO released a statement calling the remarks "inexcusable and tasteless" and noting that the remark would be removed from further airings. By that time though, the backlash had already started. Chance the Rapper called for the network to stop airing the program .

According to The Washington Post, Maher apologized on Saturday for making the remark stating that "The word was offensive and I regret saying it and am very sorry." 

For some though, that statement was not enough. After the apology, MSNBC host Al Sharpton stated that "[Maher] must be held accountable".

This Friday, Maher will r return to the airwaves and make some further remarks on his comment. However, he won't be joined by Senator Al Franken, who cancelled his appearance on the show after the remarks. Franken will be replaced as a guest with Michel Eric Tyson, according to Variety.

It remains to be seen if there will  be further consequences for the comedian.