On September 19, 2023, a rift emerged between two renowned media personalities, Howard Stern and Bill Maher, over comments made by Maher about Stern’s wife, Beth, on the air.
The tension arose from Maher’s comments about Stern’s consistent on-air praise for his wife, Beth. The news unfolded after Stern publicly expressed his displeasure over the remarks, leading to heightened media coverage of their now-strained relationship.
In an episode of his “Club Random” podcast, while interviewing Julian Lennon, Maher alluded to Stern’s past marriage before his union with Beth. He stated, “[Howard Stern] goes on about how much he loves his wife, Beth, which he has been doing on the air for, like, 10 years,” further adding, “But we know Howard had this other wife before Beth.”
Howard Stern, the 69-year-old SiriusXM shock jock, was quick to respond, labeling Maher’s comments as “sexist.” He argued, “It’s assuming that he knows something about my first marriage,” expressing bewilderment at Maher’s insinuation about Stern’s previous divorce.
This isn’t the first time the two have faced differences. In 2019, after a previously documented disagreement, Stern made an appearance on Maher’s HBO show “Real Time.” The episode was notable as they both shared their joy over mending their friendship. However, their contrasting views on relationships were evident. Stern spoke of his happiness in marital commitment, while Maher, who has never tied the knot, articulated his contentment in remaining single.
In that “Real Time” episode, Maher, when probed about his relationship status by Stern, playfully redirected the conversation back to his guest. This interaction showcased the stark differences in their relationship perspectives. Stern emerged as an advocate for committed relationships, while Maher voiced his satisfaction in solitude.
While Maher’s recent comments have momentarily clouded their friendship, past interactions between the two suggest periods of disagreement followed by moments of camaraderie. Whether this pattern continues will be keenly observed by media and fans alike.