Actor Corey Feldman recently shared his experience with Howard Stern’s treatment during his recovery. He was responding to a discussion about the late actress Dana Plato’s tragic encounter with the radio host. Feldman posted his comments on X (formerly Twitter).
Feldman’s statement addressed how Stern’s actions impacted his early music career and recovery efforts when he was just 19 years old.
“Thank you for posting all of this! I concur I am one of those recovering addicts Howard Stern kicked in the head at 19 years old, by lambasting my recovery efforts, spreading doubt about my sobriety,” Feldman said.
The actor went on to describe how a promised performance opportunity became a damaging experience.
“He told me I could perform my first single live on his show, with a song Michael Jackson told me could be a number one hit, and destroyed my credibility in the music industry before it even got started by forcing me to perform in a set up mockery ‘skit’ I was completely unaware of until it happened,” he continued.
Feldman concluded his statement by reflecting on the broader impact of such treatment on vulnerable individuals.
“Thanks Howard! You made my struggle so much harder! But luckily I lived to tell my story! Many others weren’t so lucky! RIP Dana Plato,” he said.
This response came as part of a larger conversation about Dana Plato’s appearance on The Howard Stern Show in May 1999, just one day before her death.
Feldman’s revelations shed light on a pattern of controversial treatment that has marked Stern’s career. This pattern particularly affects his interactions with celebrities struggling with personal issues.
Cracked reported that Feldman also recalled how Stern ambushed him on the show by bringing in his father live on air. This move added to the humiliation and intensified the strain on Feldman’s personal and professional life. This unexpected confrontation was part of what made the experience particularly traumatic for the young actor who was already dealing with recovery challenges.
The lasting impact of that appearance extended far beyond the initial broadcast. Alternative Nation noted that the controversy around that performance led to years of Feldman being edited into viral clips that mocked him. This contributed to a lasting negative perception of his music career despite decades of touring. These clips became a recurring source of ridicule that followed Feldman throughout his career.
The Dana Plato incident that sparked Feldman’s response remains one of the most controversial moments in Stern’s broadcasting history. YouTube documentation showed that Plato was described as “raw, emotional and clearly struggling, trying to claw her way back from years of addiction, poverty and tabloid ridicule” during that appearance. This revealed the complex pressures faced by guests on Stern’s show.
Stern didn’t directly cause Plato’s death. However, the harsh atmosphere of the interview has been part of ongoing discussions about the impact of his confrontational style on vulnerable celebrities. The incident has become a touchstone for critics who argue that entertainment should not come at the expense of people in crisis. This particularly applies to those battling addiction and mental health issues.
