Howard Stern Faces Similar Fallout To Ellen DeGeneres, Past Employees Cite Toxic Workplace

After Ellen DeGeneres was the target of accusations for a hostile workplace in July, radio personality Howard Stern on Monday became the subject of renewed scrutiny.

The New York Post cited an industry insider who said the work environment under Stern was "worse than Ellen."

Stern, 66, began his radio career in 1976 and eventually drew a reputation as a "shock jock." In 2005, he inked a lucrative deal with Sirius Satellite Radio that made him one of the wealthiest media personalities. Stern on Tuesday signed an extension with SiriusXM.

Over the years, Stern has faced criticism from former employees, with complaints of poor pay and harsh treatment.

Stern and Sirius have not commented on the recent claims.

The New York Post referenced an incident involving Scott Salem, known on Stern's show as "Scott the Engineer."

In 2018, Salem started a GoFundMe effort for his wife who had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Inside sources from the New York Post claimed Stern wasn’t happy with this idea but chief operating officer Marci Turk told Salem that he could go ahead with the fundraiser, which received over $73,000.

The New York Post cited sources that claimed Stern was bothered when other employees asked why he didn't contribute and for not giving face-to-face condolences to Salem when his wife died.

Salem was removed from the show and moved to another floor at Sirius.

“This has really bothered me. It’s ­really sad. His wife ends up dying. Howard doesn’t even go downstairs and offer Scott his condolences,” said “Stuttering John” Melendez, who worked with Stern from 1988 to 2004. “Everyone falls from grace with Howard.”

Melendez also explained how he would require hallways to be cleared out and free before he walked down them.

Comedians Artie Lange and Jackie Martling, as well as former intern Steve Grillo, have also expressed grievances with Stern.

Stern's on-air rivals, including Gregg "Opie" Hughes, seized on the opportunity to spotlight questions about Stern's behavior.