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Entertainment & Arts

Masters of mean

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By Stephanie Lysaght and Deborah Netburn, Times Staff writers


Howard Stern

No list of media villains would be complete without the self-proclaimed “King of All Media.” He’s so abusive to his producer, Gary Dell’Abate, that Gary’s mother once called Howard’s mother to discuss the issue! And nobody is immune to the wrath of Howard – not even Howard. He’s often heard disparaging his – er – member, and once quipped, “It’s no treat being in bed with me.”

Choice quote: “That yenta Barbara Walters, she’s 9 million years old.”  (PETER FOLEY / EPA)
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Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie was successful enough during her days as the “Queen of Nice.” Now that she’s not so nice, she makes headlines on a daily basis. After joining “The View,” Rosie’s endless feuds with Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Donald Trump improved the show’s ratings tremendously.

Choice quote: On Donald Trump: “Left the first wife, had an affair; left the second wife, had an affair. Had kids both times, but he’s the moral compass for 20-year-olds in America. Donald, sit and spin, my friend.”  (Jae C. Hong / AP)
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Eminem

Among those skewered in Eminem rap songs are Tom Green, Carson Daly, Fred Durst, Christina Aguilera, Will Smith and Britney Spears. Critics couldn’t believe that the profanity-filled albums were gobbled up by kids barely in their adolescence, but Eminem knew what was up: “I’m like a head trip to listen to cause I’m only givin’ you/things you joke about with your friends inside your living room,” he raps on “Real Slim Shady.”

Choice quote: “Sometimes, I wanna get on TV and just let loose, but can’t/ but it’s cool for Tom Green to hump a dead moose.”  (Andrew Medichyini / AP)
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Simon Cowell

As Simon Cowell has been saying for years, he isn’t malicious – he’s just unflinchingly honest. He has that rare ability to say to someone’s face exactly what everyone in the room is thinking without worrying about hurting anybody’s feelings. It’s a valuable skill. It also borders on inhuman. But would anyone watch “American Idol” without him?

Choice quote: “Did you really believe you could become the American Idol? Well, then you’re deaf.”  (Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images)
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Joan Rivers

Comedian Joan Rivers is like the proverbial iron fist in an ermine glove. To the celebrities she’s been interviewing for most of her career she’s all, “Who are you wearing?” and “I love your hair.” But in her stand-up act she’s more likely to skewer an actress for gaining weight. (Nice!)

Choice quote: “Boy George is all England needs – another queen who can’t dress.”  (Max Nash / AP)
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Trey Parker and Matt Stone

Nobody is ever safe from being skewered by Matt Stone and Trey Parker on their show “South Park” –not even George Clooney, their friend who helped them get the show on the air. From Tom Cruise to religious figures to Mel Gibson to the country of Canada – everything is fair game. Everything

Choice Quote: Cartman: I hate Barbra Streisand! I HATE her! Make her go away!

Stan: My mom always said there were no monsters, but there are. Aren’t there, Chef?  (Ann Johansson / Associated Press)
By Stephanie Lysaght and Deborah Netburn
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Times Staff Writers

Celebrities. They have it all. They earn the most money, sport the hottest clothes, attend the best parties and receive VIP treatment practically everywhere they go. Sometimes we just want to see them knocked off their high horses, even if that means scribbling “fugly” over their faces in a picture.

That’s where Perez Hilton comes in. The gossip blogger has become famous for his decidedly vicious reporting style. It’s playground humor, but America can’t get enough of it. Perez has just announced that he’s getting his own show, “What Perez Sez,” on VH1. But this Queen of Mean is hardly the first to buoy himself up by putting down others – he’s just the latest in a long line of memorable meanies.

Here are 10 others who have turned sarcasm into a career.

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Entertainment & Arts
Deborah Netburn

Deborah Netburn covers faith, spirituality and joy for the Los Angeles Times. She started at The Times in 2006 and has worked across a wide range of sections including entertainment, home and garden, national news, technology and science.

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