Howard Stern Reflects on Past Use of Blackface and N-Word: ‘I’ve Evolved and Changed’

Howard Stern, the renowned radio personality, has recently addressed a resurfaced television special from his 1993 New Year's Eve show, where he wore blackface and used the N-word multiple times.

The video clip came to light after Donald Trump Jr. retweeted an article containing the sketch, expressing his shock and suggesting that liberals should condemn Stern's actions.

During his SiriusXM show on Monday, Stern openly discussed the controversial clip, acknowledging, “The things I did were absolutely insane.”

“I'll be the first to admit it.

I wouldn't go back and watch those old shows; it's like watching a different person.

But that was my style, and I take responsibility for it.

I never intended to align myself with hate groups or Nazi organizations.

They saw me as someone against them too.

Everyone had something to say about me,” he added.

In the sketch, Stern parodied the incident in 1993 when Ted Danson appeared in blackface during a Friar's Club roast of his then-girlfriend, Whoopi Goldberg.

Stern imitated Danson by wearing blackface and freely using the N-word.

(Danson publicly addressed his own use of blackface in a 2008 interview with NPR, describing it as a “graceless moment” in his life.)

Stern explained that his comedy style has since evolved, stating, “As a young man, I wanted to achieve success on the radio, and I was willing to push boundaries.”

“That was the nature of the show back then.

But eventually, I went to therapy and questioned whether I always needed to be the guy who crossed boundaries.

Could I find a way to do the show and be happier?

Over the years, I did change the show.

However, many fans who enjoyed that type of humor, where I pushed limits, feel disappointed now.

They see me as a sellout, claiming that my show has lost its spark.

I've become softer.”

Stern revealed that through therapy, he realized that he needed to strike a balance between his on-air persona and his personal life as a father and husband.

He acknowledged his evolution, saying, “I had to find a better way to communicate.

So I changed and grew.”

While he didn't offer a direct apology for the sketch, Stern admitted that he wouldn't approach it in the same manner today.

“If I had the chance to do it over, would I satirize Ted Danson's blackface?

Yes, I was mocking him and shedding light on the issue.

But would I go about it the same way now?

Probably not.

No, definitely not,” he asserted.

Stern confessed that he avoids watching his old material, cringing at his past self, even from 30 to 40 years ago.

When reflecting on the resurfaced clip, he expressed his distaste, stating, “I can't stand it.”

During his show, Stern also criticized Trump Jr. for focusing on a decade-old skit instead of addressing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the nationwide protests against racial injustice and police brutality.

Highlighting his personal growth and willingness to confront his mistakes, Stern called out Trump Jr. and his father, President Donald Trump, suggesting that they could benefit from therapy and personal transformation.

“It's absolutely crazy to attack me during the coronavirus crisis and the Black Lives Matter movement, while there are more important issues at hand.

You want to target me, bully me, and expose me?

I've been on countless TV shows; everything is already out there.

There's nothing new here.

We all know who I was on the radio – the craziest person.

No show will ever be as wild as mine,” he declared.

In the spirit of combating systemic racism, consider supporting organizations like Campaign Zero, ColorofChange.org, and the National Cares Mentoring Movement.

These groups work to address racial disparities and provide support for black youth in various ways.