Liberal political comedian Bill Maher apologized Saturday for his use of the N-word on his HBO show “Real Time” on Friday, which has elicited fierce backlash online and condemnation from the network.

“Friday nights are always my worst night of sleep because I’m reflecting on the things I should or shouldn’t have said on my live show,” Maher said. “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.”