Red Foxx was another comic who used the word a lot. So while for some this isn't a simple issue, it actually is. The standard is one way for African American comics (they can use it, even derisively with really nasty intent), but no other groups can--not Jewish comics, Latino comics, Asian comics, etc.

However, it isn't uncommon to see/hear (for instance) Jewish comics slag and insult Latino comics with slurs, and vice versa. However, you don't see that happen in public between an African American comic and Jewish comic, or Latino comic, etc. using the n-word to slag/insult the African American comic. That is one taboo in an entertainment field where there isn't supposed to be any taboos, that still stands. Though I'm not sure why, when it is done all the time between African American comics.