Famed comedian Jerry Seinfeld recently extended an apology to radio legend Howard Stern after making comments that incited considerable backlash.
While being a guest on the May 8 “Fly on the Wall” podcast, hosted by Dana Carvey and David Spade, Seinfeld made remarks about Stern’s comedic skills, implying that although Stern was instrumental in establishing the comedy podcast genre, he has since been outshone by newer talents.
Seinfeld, 70, known for his famous 90s sitcom and a prosperous stand-up comedy career, expressed remorse over his choice of words. “I truly regret what I said about my friend Howard Stern,” Seinfeld stated. “I intended to suggest he might feel encircled, yet I chose ‘outflanked,’ which unfortunately came off as harsh and derogatory.”
Seinfeld, who has recently been in the limelight for his directorial debut on Netflix, stated that while Stern is a “great interviewer,” the dynamics of newer podcasts, like Carvey and Spade’s, present a more collaborative and less adversarial approach to comedy. This observation was interpreted as a critique of Stern’s conventional style, triggering extensive online conversations.
In his apology, Seinfeld acknowledged his mistake and reaffirmed his long-standing friendship with Stern, whom he affectionately calls Howie. “Obviously, these smaller programs pose no challenge to his major show. It was wrong, and I apologize, Howie. I still have great affection for you. Please forgive me,” Seinfeld said, underlining his continued admiration for Stern.
Stern, 70, nicknamed the “King of All Media,” revolutionized radio with his candid and daring style. He started his career in 1975 at Boston University’s WBTU station and rose to national prominence with his self-titled show which aired from 1986 to 2005. In 2005, he made a significant transition to SiriusXM, gaining unrestricted creative liberty away from FCC regulations. Stern has since interviewed numerous high-profile personalities, including a recent notable interview with President Joe Biden, showcasing his skill as a master interviewer beyond his shock jock origins.
Howard Stern later discussed his reaction to Jerry Seinfeld’s critique of his comedic skills, asserting that he felt Seinfeld was questioning his humor. Stern was admittedly caught off guard by these comments, considering their strong bond. Nevertheless, once Seinfeld offered an apology, Stern was open to moving past the issue. In a conversation on “The Howard Stern Show,” the presenter recounted his initial surprise at Seinfeld’s critique. “When I stumbled upon Jerry’s comments, my first thought was, ‘That’s strange,’ especially since Jerry is someone we regard as a good friend. Not to mention, his wife, Jessica [Seinfeld], and my wife, Beth [Stern], are very close.” Stern further explained that Jerry’s attempt to rectify his words came as a relief. He was quick to reassure Jerry that the misunderstanding was not significant, that all was well between them, and that his apology was unnecessary. Despite this, Jerry continued to express his sorrow, leading Stern to eventually accept his gesture of regret.
