Nicole Eggert Reflects on Traumatic Howard Stern Interview

“Baywatch” alum Nicole Eggert has spoken out about what she described as mistreatment during a 1995 interview on The Howard Stern Show. In an oral history of the show, Eggert recounted the experience, stating that she wished she could “reach out and hug” her younger self.

Eggert's appearance on the show in 1995 included Stern criticizing her attire and demanding she wear a bikini. She recounted feeling programmed to accept such comments and that declining the interview could have negatively impacted her career management. Eggert described the studio environment as not being a "safe environment."

"Watching old clips of the show and seeing how many women were treated – or more fittingly, mistreated – is also shocking," Eggert stated in Greg Prato's book, "The Great American Nightmare: An Oral History of The Howard Stern Show." She added that while she possessed resilience, other women might not have been as fortunate.

Despite the discomfort, Eggert expressed no regret over participating in the interview, noting her refusal to wear a bikini as a point of pride. She recalled rewatching the interview years later with a sense of empathy for her younger self.

The book also features accounts from former show staff, including Chaunce Hayden, who expressed regret over his role in a controversial segment involving the ashes of a fan who had died. Hayden recalled bringing the ashes on air for a memorial, during which Stern reportedly handled bone fragments for comedic effect. This incident led to an $8 million lawsuit filed by the deceased fan's family against Hayden, Stern, and Infinity Broadcasting, which was settled out of court.

These revelations emerge as Stern faces scrutiny for recent layoffs and a reduction in show frequency, while reportedly earning an estimated $8,000 per minute on air.