Howard Stern Clarifies His Relationship With 'Enemy' Oprah Winfrey After Slamming Her Wealthy Lifestyle
By Fiyin Olowokandi on October 14, 2025 at 7:45 PM EDT
Howard Stern has clarified his relationship with Oprah Winfrey, stating explicitly that he does not consider the television icon an "enemy."
Stern’s revelation came as a shock to fans, especially given his long history of outspoken criticism of Winfrey’s lifestyle.
The radio host also revisited the comment he made about the author three years ago, slamming her for having servants.
Howard Stern Debunked Any Form Of Animosity Towards Oprah Winfrey
During an interview on “Andy Cohen’s SiriusXM show," host Andy Cohen suggested that Winfrey might be the only “foe or enemy” Stern had yet to reconcile with. However, the veteran radio presenter was quick to shut that down.
“No, I love Oprah”, he responded immediately, surprising Cohen, who replied, “You do?” Stern went on to explain that he was one of Winfrey’s followers, and he watched her.
Cohen then asked if he had spoken to her before, and the radio host answered that he had not. He, however, noted that he knew her best friend, Gayle King.
“I think at one point she suggested, 'Oh, we should get together with Oprah,'” Stern recalled. “I said, 'You better check with Oprah. You better. Don't surprise her with me.'"
Howard Stern On His Previous Comment About Oprah Winfrey’s Wealth
Following his clarification about his feelings towards Winfrey, Stern addressed the controversial comment he made back in 2022.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Stern explained that he believed Winfrey was “unaware of the sort of way she shows off her wealth.”
He continued, "I couldn't do that. I'm not saying that she's wrong.” Stern then went on to note that the gap between the rich and the poor was only getting wider, which makes the display of affluence stand out more.
“I find it funny”, he admitted. “And I'm not gonna sit there and tell you I don't think it's funny. I go, 'Wow, Oprah is unapologetically wealthy,' and good for her.”
However, he reaffirmed, “But I don't hate Oprah at all. I think she's brilliant."
What Did Howard Stern Say About Oprah Winfrey?
Stern’s clarification stemmed from remarks he made in 2022, when he accused Winfrey of “showing off” her wealth. As reported by The New York Post, the broadcaster had voiced his frustration on air.
“It’s f-cking mind-blowing when you follow her on Instagram,” Stern said to his co-host, Robin Quivers. “You see her estates, her gardens, the people who service her, and, you know.”
He went on to add that Winfrey was someone who knew how to be rich and enjoyed flaunting it. Stern stated that he believed people should remain conscious of those who had less and avoid publicly displaying their fortune.
“I mean, come on. You gotta be a little bit aware of this,” he slammed.
Howard Stern On His Future With SiriusXM Radio
Stern’s comments about Winfrey are not the only issue he addressed during the interview with Cohen.
According to The Blast, the 71-year-old radio personality dismissed the rumors that his show with SiriusXM Radio was canceled because he was “too woke.”
He further clarified that he had no intention of ending his contract with the broadcasting network. Instead, he is in talks about extending it. Although the radio host did not divulge any details about the negotiations, he stated that he was confident he would be comfortable with whatever outcome.
He went on to reminisce about the state of the station when he joined and the progress so far. The radio host recalled that the network had about 200,000 subscribers at the time, while XM Radio, their rival, dominated the market.
“I love this company. I do,” he declared. Stern, then reflecting on the part he played in the company's growth, stated that if he continued with them, he would own that.
Oprah Winfrey Slammed Rumors About Her Blocking Hawaii Road
Meanwhile, Winfrey was recently faced with criticism in July after rumors spread online that she had blocked off her private road in Maui during the tsunami evacuation.
As reported by The Blast, the media proprietor’s spokesperson clarified that the road was accessible and open to residents.
“As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted local law enforcement and FEMA to ensure the road was opened,” the spokesperson stated.
They added that the local authorities were present to maintain safety and ensure smooth passage. The Maui Police Department confirmed that the private road was “open to get Upcountry.”
