NEW YORK (AP) — Comic Larry Wilmore says his "tone didn't fit the room" at the White House Correspondents Association speech but believes his use of the term "n---a" to address President Obama may open an important dialogue for the country.

The Comedy Central host said in an interview Tuesday that he's willing to take the heat for his performance in Washington on Saturday. Wilmore skewered media figures and politicians in his keynote at the annual gala.

Wilmore said he meant it as a term of endearment when he addressed the president at the end by saying: "Yo Barry, you did it, my n----. You did it."

Wilmore said that he knew it would be provocative and that he was taking a chance by saying it.