Howard Stern is known for sparking feuds with celebrities. It’s one of the numerous reasons why millions of people tuned in to his groundbreaking radio show in the earlier years of his career. At one point, his staffers would go to any length to offend celebrities and force them to storm out of live Stern Show interviews.
Things are different now. But it doesn’t mean Stern won’t criticize celebrities for what they say or do in public. It’s only that he could have to eat his words now when the same people he’s criticized appear on his show.
This includes Demi Lovato, a music star whom Stern once berated in 2021. Stern, on the other hand, waxed poetic about Lovato in a news-making interview in September 2023.
Here’s what Howard Stern says about Demi Lovato’s Yogurt controversy.
Howard Stern criticized Demi Lovato for being a “Karen” in the wake of the singers’ 2021 yogurt shop controversy. After publicly criticizing a small business for selling a “sugar-free” alternative, the “Skyscraper” singer and former Disney Channel star found herself in hot water with far more than just Howard Stern.
On his April 28th, 2021 show, Howard stated to his audience that “[Demi Lovato] went to a yogurt store and she got on [social media] and she was like lecturing everybody about how the guy at the yogurt store had sugar-free yogurt and it triggered something in her because [of her eating disorder].” He added, “I don’t even know what her logic is but then she had to apologize.”
As reported by Us Magazine, Lovato criticized The Bigg Chill for being “diet culture vultures” since the option may have been “upsetting” for individuals struggling with an eating disorder. This was, of course, a reference to her own personal struggles, with which Stern empathized.
Lovato said the sugar-free choice was “triggering and awful.” This sparked a flood of hateful messages from her fans, which targeted the small business and grabbed huge news. The Bigg Chill had to apologize for causing the superstar distress.
However, the backlash against Lovato, who has frequently been a symbol of politically correct culture, was far greater.
Howard Stern, his co-host Robin Quivers, and their staff discussed the entire situation on their show, slamming Lovato even more.
“We have a whole generation of people who think the world should completely change so they don’t get upset or triggered,” Robin Quivers told Stern, talking about the fact that the Bigg Chill had that option for those who either choose not to eat sugar or can’t because of diseases… something Lovato seemed to have ignored.
“You mean, I don’t get a sugar-free option because it triggers you? I mean, really? Do you really think the world is set up for you? What kind of parenting to do you get to think that the world should revolve around you?” Howard said.
“So, if you’re a recovering alcoholic, how about every restaurant should stop serving alcohol so you won’t be triggered? Is that a responsible request? No! You’ve got to learn how to function in a world where there are people who can drink responsibly.”