A deeply uncomfortable and resurfaced interview from 2013 has thrust Howard Stern back into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, drawing widespread condemnation for his treatment of actress Sofia Vergara.
The controversial clip, which has gone viral anew, captures the radio host making a series of lewd and objectifying remarks directed at the 'Modern Family' star, focusing intensely on her physical appearance in a manner viewers have branded 'creepy' and 'degrading'.
'Can You Breastfeed Me?': The Question That Caused A Firestorm
The most egregious moment of the exchange occurs when Stern, fixating on Vergara's chest, poses a shockingly inappropriate question. He explicitly asks the actress if she would be able to breastfeed him, reducing her to a physical function and leaving the studio audience in an audible state of shock.
Vergara, a consummate professional, attempted to navigate the uncomfortable situation with humour and grace, deflecting the comment. However, the blatant sexism of the line of questioning was impossible to ignore.
Social Media Backlash: Critics Brand Stern 'Disgusting'
The resurfacing of the interview has triggered a tidal wave of backlash on social media platforms. Thousands of users have expressed their disgust, accusing the veteran host of blatant sexual harassment and misogyny.
Comments on the clip universally condemn Stern's behaviour, with viewers praising Vergara for her poise under such intense and inappropriate scrutiny. Many have questioned how such segments were ever deemed acceptable for broadcast, highlighting a toxic culture in past media practices.
A Pattern Of Behaviour For The Shock Jock
For long-time observers of Howard Stern's career, the comments, while extreme, are not entirely out of character. Built on a foundation of shock-jock antics and boundary-pushing content, his show has frequently been criticised for demeaning women and relying on offensive humour.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive sexism that was often tolerated in the entertainment industry, with female celebrities expected to laugh off deeply uncomfortable and objectifying encounters as part of the job.
The renewed scrutiny on this interview reinforces ongoing conversations about accountability for past behaviour and how society's standards for what is acceptable have rightly evolved.
