White Celebs Caught Using the N-Word on Live Mic

Incidents where microphones captured the n word have led to swift consequences for several white celebrities. Recordings from live shows broadcasts and public settings created immediate public scrutiny and professional fallout. Apologies statements and organizational responses often followed within days. Here are notable cases with key details about what happened and what came next.

Michael Richards

During a November 2006 stand up set at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood a video captured Michael Richards using the n word repeatedly while addressing audience members. The clip spread online within hours and drew widespread condemnation. He issued an apology the next business day during a remote appearance on a late night talk show. Comedy venues and industry peers distanced themselves as the club imposed rules to curb abusive language and Richards halted public performances.

Bill Maher

On a June 2017 live broadcast of his HBO show Bill Maher used the n word during an interview with a sitting US senator which aired unedited. The network called the remark inexcusable and removed the segment from future replays. The following week Maher devoted a portion of the program to an on air apology and hosted guests to address the harm caused by the word. Calls for accountability persisted as the show continued under heightened scrutiny.

Joe Rogan

In early February 2022 a compilation video surfaced showing Joe Rogan using the n word on multiple podcast episodes recorded over many years. He published a video apology acknowledging that the language was wrong and that he regretted saying it. Spotify removed dozens of past episodes as the platform faced pressure from artists and listeners. The show remained available while the company implemented additional content advisories.

Riley Cooper

A cell phone video from July 2013 captured Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper using the n word at a concert while speaking into a nearby microphone. The footage became public weeks later and prompted statements from the team and league. Cooper was fined by the team and took a brief leave to seek counseling before returning to the roster. Teammates and coaches addressed the situation internally as he resumed play under close attention.

Hulk Hogan

Transcripts and audio released in July 2015 revealed Hulk Hogan using the n word during a recorded private conversation that had been captured years earlier with a microphone present. World Wrestling Entertainment announced the termination of its relationship and removed references to him from company platforms. Hogan issued a public apology as the controversy expanded into legal and reputational arenas. Several years later limited reinstatement occurred yet the episode remained a major point in his public record.

Duane Dog Chapman

In November 2007 an audio recording of Duane Dog Chapman using the n word during a phone call became public. His reality series was pulled from the schedule as the network evaluated the situation. Chapman apologized and sought meetings with civil rights leaders while the show remained off the air for a period before returning. The incident continued to shadow subsequent seasons and media appearances.

PewDiePie

During a 2017 live gaming stream on a major video platform PewDiePie uttered the n word into his microphone while frustrated during play. The clip circulated widely and prompted immediate criticism from viewers and industry partners. He posted a video apology acknowledging the harm and said there was no excuse for the language. Developers of one indie game asked that he not stream their titles and some sponsorship relationships were reevaluated.

Morgan Wallen

In early 2021 a neighbor’s security camera captured audio of Morgan Wallen saying the n word while arriving home late at night. The recording included clear microphone pickup and was released publicly the next day. His label suspended him and radio stations temporarily pulled his songs while platforms issued statements about the content. Wallen apologized in a video and donated to groups he said were recommended by community leaders.

Justin Bieber

A video recorded when Justin Bieber was a teenager showed him using the n word while singing a parody of one of his early hits. The footage surfaced years later and spread quickly across entertainment outlets and social media. Bieber issued public apologies and referenced counseling and conversations he had about the history of the word. Industry peers and mentors addressed the situation as he continued his career with increased public scrutiny.

John Schnatter

In 2018 John Schnatter used the n word during a recorded conference call that involved a training exercise with an outside firm. The audio and transcripts became public and triggered swift corporate responses. He resigned as chairman and the company removed his image from marketing while reviewing governance steps. Schnatter apologized and later pursued legal actions related to the fallout as leadership changes proceeded.

Louis C.K.

Multiple recorded stand up sets captured Louis C.K. saying the n word during routines where he discussed taboo language. Clips from club performances and televised appearances circulated broadly and drew sustained criticism. Networks and venues reassessed bookings and distribution choices as the segments continued to be referenced. The comedian addressed the controversy in subsequent material while content advisories and programming decisions varied by outlet.

Paula Deen

Court documents and related media reporting in 2013 revealed Paula Deen had used the n word in past situations and that statements about it were captured during a deposition. Broadcast interviews featured her responses while microphones recorded detailed follow up questions about the disclosures. Major retail partners ended agreements and the network that carried her show declined to renew contracts. Deen issued apologies and pursued new business ventures outside her previous television platform.

Paris Hilton

Leaked archival footage from the early 2000s captured Paris Hilton using racial slurs including the n word at social events where handheld cameras recorded audio. The material resurfaced online years later and was widely shared. Coverage summarized the recordings and detailed the context in which the language was used. Hilton addressed past behavior in later interviews while focusing on new projects and advocacy work.

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