Howard Stern has leveled allegations of “sexist” commentary against Bill Maher regarding his 15-year union with Beth Stern, asserting that they are “no longer compatriots.”
The 69-year-old luminary of the radio waves insisted that Maher should “refrain from vocalizing his thoughts” and eschew any discourse concerning his matrimonial union, during the most recent episode of The Howard Stern Show, which aired on Tuesday.
Maher purportedly articulated these comments during a prior installment of his Club Random podcast. During this session, the comedian queried the ramifications of Stern’s penchant for publicly extolling his second wife. Thus pondering the emotional impact it might have on his former spouse, Allison Berns.
“How does this effusive praise for the second spouse resonate with the sentiments of the first spouse? Could we not exhibit such effulgent admiration for one party whilst the other remains privy to it?” articulated the 67-year-old comedian in the course of an exchange with John Lennon’s progeny, the British musician Julian Lennon.
Berns and Stern formalized their union in 1978, ultimately parting ways in 2000. The erstwhile judge of America’s Got Talent crossed paths with Beth, a fervent advocate for animal rights, not long thereafter. Their nuptial bond was subsequently seal after an eight-year courtship.
Maher further conveyed to Lennon that he harbored no proclivity for engaging in a dispute with Stern, rationalizing, “we have, at long last, ameliorated our rapport.”
Stern repudiated Maher’s conjectures on Tuesday, characterizing them as a “bewildering and eccentric conjecture.” He added, “It presumes an intimate understanding of my inaugural marriage. It presupposes that the gentleman invariably departs from the lady’s company. Leaving her in a state of desolation, ruminating upon her celebrated partner.”
Stern implored Maher to “abstain from verbalizing.” He reflected, “I do not posit that I incessantly embark on airwaves to declare my devotion to my spouse. Nevertheless, I deemed it a fairly constructive dispatch. Especially in the context of my listenership, wherein I urge fellow males to refrain from disparaging their spouses and, instead, engage in expressions of gratitude and affection.”
Howard Stern also divulged that he dispatched an electronic missive to Maher. Inquiring as to why Maher had chosen to disseminate these concerns indirectly. Stern, however, declared, “I remain unperturbed by his silence. He is entitle to his assessments.”
He concluded, “I surmise that our camaraderie has dwindled to naught.”
In recent days, Maher underwent a volte-face, reversing his decision to resurrect his HBO talk show. Real Time with Bill Maher, in the midst of the ongoing Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) strikes.
Following Maher’s proclamation of the show’s revival, the WGA affirmed its intention to stage pickets at the premises of Real Time, contending that such a move would contravene the organization’s strike regulations.
In response, the erstwhile host of Politically Incorrect posted on Twitter, “My determination to recommence work was formulated during a juncture when it seemed that no progress was being made and that the situation had reached an impasse.”
“Now that both parties have concurred to return to the negotiation table, I shall defer the reinstatement of Real Time, for the time being, in the hope that they might, at last, bring this matter to resolution.”
In similar fashion, Drew Barrymore postponed the revival of her program. Bowing to criticism from members of the WGA, as well as prominent figures. Subsequent to her announcement that The Drew Barrymore Show would recommence production despite the ongoing strikes.
