Howard Stern addressed toxic workplace claims during the season premiere of his SiriusXM show on Monday, quipping that he is a "scumbag" and joking about the summer's media coverage.

"I’ve never had a summer where I was treated so well in the press," Stern said, according to The Sun. "It was so positive. I can’t believe it. I can’t tell you how many different people have called me a scumbag."

The radio host reportedly denied a report from The Sun published on Aug. 7, which alleged that his staff was instructed not to speak to him at company parties. Stern also clarified comments made by his wife, Beth Stern, during a recent interview with the Daily Mail. He stated that she was not defending him, but rather answering a question about his show's availability on HBO Max.

"They interpreted it some other way. They wrote just something they wanted to write, and said that she was defending me," Stern explained. "When did I ever need a defense? If you think I’m a scumbag, you’re probably right."

Earlier in the program, Stern reportedly announced he had relinquished his Howard 101 channel, stating he "didn't want the responsibility." He described himself as the "most successful radio personality," adding that it "didn't take much effort."

Stern did not comment on the significant staff layoffs that occurred in July.

In April, Stern and his wife were sued by their former executive assistant, Leslie Kuhn, who accused them of creating a hostile work environment. Court documents obtained by Page Six detailed the "immense pressure" Kuhn allegedly experienced managing the couple's Hamptons home and assisting Beth Stern with her feline rescue operations. Kuhn also claimed that Stern's production company, One Twelve, presented her with a non-disclosure agreement that she denies signing, attributing the reasons for her termination and the NDA to Beth Stern.

However, in July, a judge ruled in favor of the Sterns, dismissing Kuhn's allegations regarding forged NDAs.

Following the lawsuit, Stern laid off approximately a dozen staff members from his SiriusXM show in July. He subsequently transferred Channel 101 to Andy Cohen's "Radio Andy" program.

Stern recently finalized a deal with HBO Max, allowing new episodes of his show to stream on the platform every Thursday. Sirius stated in a press release that the move brings Stern's show to "the pinnacle of prestige television" and offers fans a desired "seat in the studio" to view what they are listening to.

Stern signed a three-year contract with SiriusXM in December, which he indicated would provide him with "flexibility," allowing for "more free time and continuing to be on the radio." His prior five-year contract was valued at $500 million.