Strange how Kathy Griffin has been all but run out of the country, while Bill Maher (arguably the more offensive person) has remained relatively unscathed since HIS scandal last week.

Well, set of. TMZ did just report that Senator Al Franken canceled his appearance on Real Time next week, citing Maher’s use of the n-word last week as the reason.

A spokesperson for Franken tells us, “Senator Franken believes that what Bill Maher said was inappropriate and offensive … He was glad to see Bill, who the Senator considers to be a good friend, apologize and express sincere regret for his comment.”

It’s the first real professional consequence Bill has faced since the scandal broke, though. HBO has said they aren’t going to fire him, and so far his tour dates remain uncanceled. Unlike poor Kathy who saw her comedy tour go up in flames, as well as a Squatty Potty spokeswoman gig, and her yearly CNN hosting job with Anderson Cooper (who kiiiind of threw her under the bus). I’m not advocating Maher lose his career, I just wish there was some sort of equivalency.

(Photos: Pacific Coast News)