Howard Stern named in Epstein files, but not in the way you would expect

The latest documents released by the Department of Justice regarding disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein have dropped a major celebrity feud right into our laps. Shock jock Howard Stern is certainly named in the trove, but thankfully for him, the context is pure social drama: he’s mentioned as a “mortal enemy” of director Woody Allen and his wife, Soon-Yi Previn.

This information came to light through an email exchange dated November 29, 2017. Epstein, who was neighbors with Allen and Previn on the Upper East Side, emailed Previn to ask if they’d like Stern to attend a dinner they were planning. Epstein wrote, “Do i remember correctly that woody does not like howard stern? Should we invite cavett?” referring to talk-show host Dick Cavett.

The New York Post reported that Previn, who is 55, wasted no time in confirming their deep-seated animosity. She immediately opened fire, stating directly that, “Howard Stern is a mortal enemy. He is strongly in Mia’s corner.”

This is the first time I have seen the term ‘mortal enemy’ outside of a fictional or history book

To understand why Allen, 90, and Previn feel this way, we have to rewind to 1992. Stern, the 72-year-old shock jock, absolutely savaged Allen during the director’s bitter custody battle with his ex, actress Mia Farrow. Farrow, known for Rosemary’s Baby, had claimed Allen sexually abused their daughter, Dylan Farrow, when she was a child. Allen has always vehemently denied the allegations. 

The claims were dismissed, and criminal charges were never filed against the Crimes and Misdemeanors director. However, even as he received support from actors like Sean Penn, Allen’s highly publicized personal life became absolute gold for The Howard Stern Show, where he routinely mocked Allen about his romantic relationship with Previn, who is Farrow’s adopted daughter

Stern’s name pops up in other newly released Epstein emails as well, though again, it’s all about the comedy scene. When suggesting guests for a 2015 party, comedian Bobby Slayton suggested Stern’s former sidekick, Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling. Slayton praised Martling’s quick wit, writing that you could “Ask him about ANY subject and he has a jok[e] for it,” including “great stories about why Howard Stern is such a cheap a—hole.”

Away from the drama of Epstein’s social calendar, Stern has been making headlines recently for his professional stability. Just days after this latest document dump, the self-proclaimed “King of All Media” missed his broadcast on February 2, prompting questions about his health.