Howard Stern's SiriusXM Prank Sparks Controversy
On September 8, Howard Stern, the iconic radio host, pulled an elaborate prank on his SiriusXM listeners by suggesting he was leaving his long-running show. The stunt involved producer and TV host Andy Cohen, who started the segment by saying, 'I know that you're expecting a big announcement from Howard, and this is not how things were meant to go.' The prank led to widespread confusion among fans and even caused a temporary drop in SiriusXM's stock value before Stern clarified he was staying with the platform.
The incident didn't just rattle listeners; it also created chaos behind the scenes. Reports indicate that Stern's staff were left in a state of panic, with some fearing for their jobs. A former staffer, Steve Grillo, called it 'the hoax of the century,' criticizing the move as a desperate attempt to boost listenership.
Roseanne Barr's Fiery Response to Stern
In the wake of the prank, comedian Roseanne Barr unleashed a scathing attack on Stern via social media. Barr referred to him as a 'shill' and a 'boot licking p—y,' accusing him of always having 'sucked' in her estimation. Her harsh words came after Stern reportedly called her 'braindead' and a 'f--king weirdo' over a meme she posted about him, escalating tensions between the two entertainment figures.
Barr's comments have drawn significant attention online, with her posts amplifying the feud. Her savage takedown has fueled discussions about Stern's recent antics and whether his prank crossed a line with fans and industry peers alike.
Impact and Reactions to the Feud
The clash between Barr and Stern has added another layer of controversy to an already tumultuous situation for SiriusXM. While Stern has been a cornerstone of the platform since 2006, with a reported five-year deal valued at about $100 million annually, the prank has drawn criticism for its impact on staff morale and listener trust. Some have labeled it a 'pathetic way to get people to tune in,' reflecting broader frustration with the stunt.
Public sentiment on social media platforms like X shows a mix of amusement and irritation. While some users find the feud between Barr and Stern entertaining, others question the maturity of both parties involved in such public spats. As this conflict unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will affect Stern's relationship with SiriusXM and his audience moving forward.