Howard Stern Addresses 1993 Blackface Skit: No Surprises Here

In a recent episode of his SiriusXM morning show, 66-year-old shock jock Howard Stern responded to the resurfacing of a 27-year-old blackface skit, pleading insanity to charges of racism.

Stern sarcastically applauded his critics for uncovering old footage that was already in the public domain.

The controversy began when filmmaker Tariq Nasheed shared a video from a 1993 Howard Stern TV special, where Stern appeared in blackface imitating actor Ted Danson, who had done the same earlier that year at a Friars Club roast honoring comedian Whoopi Goldberg.

Stern's skit also featured his co-host Robin Quivers and comedic actor Sherman Hemsley, with Stern repeatedly using racial slurs.

Donald Trump Jr., who has been on the receiving end of Stern's mockery in recent weeks, shared the video on Instagram and commented, “Yikes!”

He also claimed that if a conservative used such language, it would be damaging to their career.

Stern speculated that Trump Jr. and his father, President Donald Trump, were behind the resurfacing or promotion of the clip as retaliation for his mocking of the Trump administration.

Stern mockingly pointed out that the footage was from a TV special that aired 30 years ago, titled “New Year's Rotten Eve Pageant.”

Quivers, who is black, expressed surprise at the video and stated that she had forgotten about it.

She also mentioned that neither she nor Stern tried to hide the skit and that she barely remembered doing it.

Reflecting on his past behavior, Stern acknowledged that years of psychotherapy had influenced his approach to broadcasting.

He admitted that in the past, nothing was off-limits on air and that he demanded the audience's complete attention.

However, he emphasized that he now cringes at most of his old work, including the Danson skit, and clarified that he wouldn't approach it in the same way today.

Stern also acknowledged that there might be more controversial content in his archives, considering his history of pushing boundaries on air.

He stated that he never did anything behind the scenes; everything was done right in front of his audience.

Regarding the blackface incident, Stern took ownership of it, accepting responsibility for his actions.

He also took a swipe at President Trump, contrasting his own approach of speaking openly on the air with Trump's “locker room talk” excuse for making derogatory statements about women.

Quivers expressed her wish for someone to uncover real dirt on Trump that he didn't admit himself during his appearances on TV or radio.

Stern responded by suggesting that it would be impossible to find such material.

Howard Stern has been an outspoken critic of the Trump administration, particularly regarding its handling of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

He has accused the president of lacking leadership and has claimed that Trump secretly despises his most loyal supporters.

Stern recently mocked Trump Jr.'s assertion that he had changed, jokingly praising his supposed wit and genius while insinuating that he owes his success to his father's influence.

In conclusion, the resurfacing of Howard Stern's blackface skit from 1993 has generated controversy, with Stern addressing the issue on his SiriusXM morning show.

While admitting to his past behavior, Stern emphasized personal growth and expressed regret for his actions.

He also suggested that the video's resurgence may be linked to his recent mockery of the Trump administration.