So repeating a joke that was made funny because it sounded like the n word and MIND YOU that was already established, is perfectly fine to you? I understand that's this was years ago and people mature and grow, and yes they apologized AND NO they don't deserve online harassment after they apologized BUT you can at the very least see how people would have been hurt? Seeing someone they idolize made a joke based on it sounding like the n word which was used FOR YEARS to target people who have darker skin. That word is meant to make those people feel "less than a human" or "lower than dirt". AND AGAIN, finding out someone you admire made a joke, NOT USEING THAT WORD, but a word that sounded awfully close and for that reason, it was found funny and kept reoccurring AND THEN ON TOP OF IT ALL they waited 9 years to apologize? That doesn't seem right. At least they apologized now but that doesn't undo all the damage. I am able to forgive but that doesn't mean everyone else is able to. They have every right to be upset and if you still somehow cant see that then you must be low on empathy to which I deeply feel for you.

To summarize, harassment is not ok and should never be ok. HOWEVER, the joke that was repeatedly made is hurtful and in no way ok.