A controversial video from Howard Stern's past has reemerged, sparking outrage on social media.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, a 1993 sketch featuring Howard Stern in blackface and repeatedly using a racial slur has resurfaced ahead of his upcoming interview with Vice President Kamala Harris.
The video, which was originally a parody of Ted Danson's infamous blackface performance alongside Whoopi Goldberg, has reignited discussions about Stern's past actions and their relevance to his current media presence.
The resurfaced clip shows Stern, now 70, wearing black face paint and white lips while using the N-word multiple times during the skit. In the video, Stern portrays Ted Danson in blackface, responding to questions from his sidekick Robin Quivers with punchlines containing the racial slur. When the audience reacts with shock, Stern defends himself by claiming, "Whoopi wrote that," referencing Goldberg's involvement in the original Danson incident.
The re-emergence of this video has prompted strong reactions on social media platforms. Many users have expressed their disgust and disappointment, questioning why Stern seems to face little consequences for his past actions.
A viewer posted on X (previously known as Twitter), expressing their frustration, saying they have seen this behavior for years. They questioned whether Howard Stern, being left-leaning, is excused for his actions.
Another user added:
This right here should have been the end of Howard Stern. He's undeniably too comfortable in this gross vile skit, if anyone belongs cancelled it's Stern, he is a pig.
The timing of the video's resurgence is particularly notable, as Stern is scheduled to interview Vice President Kamala Harris. This has led some to question the appropriateness of the interview and Harris's decision to appear on Stern's show.
This is not the first time Stern has faced criticism for this particular video. In 2020, when the clip was shared by Donald Trump Jr., Stern addressed the controversy on his show. Stern stated:
The sh** I did was f***ing crazy. I'll be the first to admit. I won't go back and watch those old shows; it's like, who is that guy. But that was my shtick, that's what I did and I own it. I don't think I got embraced by Nazi groups and hate groups. They seemed to think I was against them too. Everybody had a bone to pick with me.
He further explained that while he was attempting to lampoon Ted Danson's actions at the time, he acknowledges that he would approach such topics differently now.
Despite the controversy, Stern's interview with Vice President Harris is set to proceed as part of her broader media strategy. The interview will air on Stern's SiriusXM channel Howard 100 and be replayed throughout the week.
This appearance is part of a larger media blitz by Harris, which includes stops on other shows such as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The View. These interviews are generally considered to be in "friendly" territory for the Vice President, a strategy similar to that employed by other political figures, including former President Donald Trump with his frequent Fox News appearances.
The resurfaced video of Howard Stern in blackface has reignited discussions about accountability for past actions in the entertainment industry. As Stern prepares to interview Vice President Kamala Harris, the controversy highlights the complex intersection of media, politics, and public perception. The incident serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of controversial content and the ongoing debate surrounding cancel culture and accountability in the public sphere.
