Magic Johnson Wanted to Hit Howard Stern After Racist 1998 Interview Where He Was Told He ‘Had Fun Getting AIDS’
variety.comSelome Hailu While shock jock humor is the brand that made Howard Stern famous, an interview on Magic Johnson’s 1998 late-night talk show “The Magic Hour” pushed the limits even for him, creating one of the most uncomfortable moments in late-night TV history.In a new interview with Variety, Johnson looked back on his hosting stint prior to the April 22 release of “They Call Me Magic,” an Apple TV Plus docuseries that covers his life and career — including his brief chapter in the late-night seat.
And though “The Magic Hour” was an overall flop, hated by critics and canceled after three short months, it’s Stern’s appearance on the program that still gets talked about today as a blatant example of how entertainers could get away with making racist comments before things changed in our culture. “So many times, I wanted to say something and hit him at the same time — on air,” Johnson tells Variety, looking back at the interview.
Johnson hasn’t spoken to Stern since then.For those unfamiliar with the episode, here’s a primer: After “The Magic Hour” premiered, Stern started attacking the program on his massively popular radio show, criticizing Johnson and mocking his comedic timing and interviewing skills.
In an effort to drum up ratings for “The Magic Hour,” the producers of the show decided to invite Stern on as a guest.“Let’s get right to it,” Johnson said in the interview after Stern came out on stage. “Why have you been talking about me so much, man?”“The thing you need to work on, in my estimation, is that you’ve gotta stop trying to talk like the white man,” Stern answered. “Everybody’s anti-Ebonics.
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