Howard Stern Slams Jay Leno, Scoffs at NBC's 'Threats'
Jay Leno is a 'Spineless Maggot,' Said Stern
Howard Stern shook off the threats from NBC over his comments on his radio show.
Working for NBC as a judge on "America's Got Talent," Stern is under pressure from the network for slamming another NBC personality- Jay Leno.
Stern recently discussed the late night talk show host and fellow NBC star. Moreover, Stern referred to Leno as a "spineless maggot," sparking a reaction from NBC.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
"I got a threatening kind of comment from of the NBC executives," Stern recently revealed on the air.
Regardless of the pressure, Stern seemed to shrug off the controversy.
"I was laughing my a-- off," said Stern. "I said, 'Do not tell me to not talk about Jay Leno. I will f------ talk about Jay Leno for four hours if you tell me not to.' I was done with Jay, now I'm all fired up again. F--- Jay!"
Apparently, the executive brought up Leno's recent pay cut- he volunteered to take less money in order to keep staff because of budget cuts- as a way to silence Stern. However, the radio host did not care about Leno's generosity.
"They basically accused me of not knowing anything about the budget cuts, and I'm like of course I … I have theories," said the 58-year-old. "So what if I don't know about the budget cuts? I'll make it like I do know about it."
Reinforcing his independence, Stern added that it would not trouble him to lose his gig on "America's Got Talent."
"Take my job away from me," said the famed radio personality. "Who cares? Don't f------ threaten me. I don't answer to anybody. Everyone knows that. That's part of the game. And that's why I'm a great … judge."
Also in disputes with NBC is Sharon Osbourne, who recently left "America's Got Talent."
While on the "Late Show with David Letterman," Osbourne actively avoided the subject, only revealing that things between her and the network were "fine."
When asked if she was really not returning to the reality singing series, the British star said she felt compelled to move on.
"You know when your gut tells you- time to move on, do other things," said Osbourne.
"I truly love the show," she added, although she is leaving. "If I wasn't on it, I'd still watch it."
Osbourne noted that Stern was "brilliant" on "America's Got Talent."
