Howard Stern Denies Allegations, Scumbag Self, Secures HBO Max Deal

On Monday, 72‑year‑old shock jock Howard Stern kicked off the new season of *The Howard Stern Show* on SiriusXM with a brief, sharp‑tongued interview. During the broadcast he denied a July 7 Sun story that claimed his staff had been told not to speak to him at company parties.

Stern also clarified a recent interview in which his wife, Beth, was said to have “defended” him; he said the conversation was simply about the show’s new streaming arrangement on HBO Max.

Stern used the premiere to call himself a “scumbag,” quipping that “if you think I’m a scumbag, you’re probably right.” He explained that he had given up his Howard 101 channel because he “didn’t want the responsibility.” Though he celebrated being “the most successful radio personality,” he added the title was not meant to be boastful.

The show’s opener also omitted any discussion of the recent layoffs of about a dozen staff members.

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## Background & Context

In April, former executive assistant Leslie Kuhn sued Howard and Beth Stern for creating a hostile work environment. Court documents obtained by *Page Six* described the “immense pressure” Kuhn faced while managing their Hamptons home and an extensive at‑home feline rescue operation.

She alleged that One Twelve, Howard’s production company, presented her with a nondisclosure agreement she never signed and that the reasons for her termination were fabricated by the defendants, especially Beth Stern.

A judge later ruled against Kuhn’s claims that the production company had forged NDAs with her name. Nevertheless, the lawsuit highlighted concerns about workplace culture surrounding the Sterns’ media operations.

In July, the same outlet reported that Howard had laid off approximately a dozen staff members from his SiriusXM show. Following those layoffs, he surrendered control of Howard 101, handing it to Andy Cohen’s *Radio Andy*. Those moves were made public after the July reports surfaced.

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## What People Are Saying

Stern’s remarks on Monday were met with mixed reactions. he stated that his wife had not been “defending him” during a interview; instead, she was answering a question about the new HBO Max streaming deal. He suggested that media outlets had misinterpreted her comments and written what they wanted rather than what actually occurred.

In response to the earlier lawsuit, Howard said, “I’ve never had a summer where I was treated so well in the press.” He emphasized that the positive coverage surprised him and that he could not believe how many people have called him a scumbag.

The comments were accompanied by his own admission that he might indeed be a scumbag, depending on the perspective.

The show’s premiere also revealed that Howard had recently signed a three‑year contract with SiriusXM in December. He explained the new agreement would give him “flexibility” and “more free time” while continuing to be on the radio. His previous five‑year contract was reported to be worth $500 million, earning him roughly $8,000 .

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## What Happens Next

The new HBO Max deal will see fresh episodes of *The Howard Stern Show* stream every Thursday on the platform. Sirius’ press release last month described the arrangement as giving fans a “seat in the studio” to watch what they just heard.

The move marks a significant expansion from SiriusXM’s exclusive audio format to a broader visual platform.

Meanwhile, the lawsuit filed by Kuhn remains on record, though the court has already dismissed her NDA claims. No further statements from Howard or Beth Stern have been issued regarding the allegations or the recent staff reductions.

On Monday, he chose not to address the layoffs on his show, focusing instead on his new streaming venture and contractual changes.

In the coming weeks, industry observers will likely monitor how the HBO Max partnership performs and whether any additional legal or workplace controversies surface. Howard’s willingness to confront media narratives directly during the season premiere may influence public perception as his show expands its reach.