00:00Ice Cube is not backing out of his appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher this Friday,
00:04but that doesn't mean he condones the host's recent use of the N-word on the show.
00:08The rapper and actor told Rolling Stone he doesn't understand Maher's actions.
00:12Ice Cube said in an interview,
00:25The comments in question were made during last week's show, when Maher answered guest
00:29Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse's question,
00:31Would you like to come work in the field with us?
00:34Maher responded,
00:38Maher's remark sparked immediate backlash online.
00:41Democratic Senator Al Franken was set to appear on Real Time this week, but canceled because of the slur.
00:46Ice Cube, who had already been booked on the show, decided not to back out of his appearance,
00:50but did tease what audiences can expect. He revealed,
00:53You'll see me on there Friday, and I'll say what I gotta say.
00:56Maher has since apologized for his comments, calling his use of the N-word offensive,
01:01and I regret saying it and am very sorry.
01:03HBO said in a statement that the host's use of the word was completely inexcusable.
01:07The pay cable network has also edited out the word for future airings of Real Time.
01:12For more on this story, check out THR.com and let us know in the comments if you'll be tuning in
01:17to Ice Cube's appearance on the show this Friday.
01:19For The Hollywood Reporter News, I'm Tiffany Taylor.
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