Sherri Shepherd Issues Apology for Controversial Remark to Elizabeth Vargas: ‘Get Drunk’ Comment Sparks Outrage
3 min readShepherd apologizes for making several jokes about alcohol during Thursday’s Sherri talk show interview with sober news personality Elizabeth Vargas. We’re going to the bar, we’re going to have a drink, Shepherd said to Vargas while they discussed motherhood’s challenges. Having spoken publicly about alcoholism in the past, Vargas replied that she would like a classic club soda with cranberry juice, but that you could pound some shots if you want. Vargas was told by the host that she was “no fun,” but was still taking her out. You and I are going to the bar to say, ‘It’s not news tonight! Let’s do that.
Host, author, and broadcaster Elizabeth Vargas stops by to talk about her one-hour live news show, “Elizabeth Vargas Reports,” on NewsNation.
— FOX26Houston (@FOX26Houston) June 1, 2023
Today at 10 AM on SHERRI!@EVargasTV @sherrieshepherd @sherrishowtv pic.twitter.com/YRZTNnFrNk
Following the host’s suggestion that Vargas write a second book during her spare time, Shepherd again proposed they go out to get drunk with Vargas. There were several tweets during the episode calling out the host for pushing a recovering alcoholic to drink, with some calling for an apology. According to Vargas, the host apologized for the unintentional faux pas after the show. Sherri apologized – she was very gracious. It was just that she didn’t know. I don’t think it’s a big deal. In a statement, the NewsNation host said she was not upset at all.
@sherrieshepherd @fox know you didn't mean it but you owe Elizabeth Vargas an apology! We all know her past troubles with drinking yet you kept inviting her to drink! APOLOGIZE!
— KeepLiving (@lifeisgolden23) June 1, 2023
Sherri Shepherd Apologizes To Elizabeth Vargas After Asking Her To Get Drunk With Her
Sherri Shepherd apologized after being criticized online for making several jokes about alcohol during her Sherri talk show interview with sober news personality Elizabeth Vargas on Thursday. While discussing the trials of motherhood, Shepherd told Vargas, “I’m taking you to the bar, we’re going to drink, we’re going to have a drink.” Vargas, who has spoken openly about her past alcoholism struggles, replied that she would like my classic club soda with cranberry juice, but you can pound some shots. Vargas was told that she was “no fun,” but the host would still take her out. The two of us will be at the bar saying, ‘It’s not news tonight! It’s what we’ve got to do. After Shepherd suggested that Vargas write a second book in her free time, she again proposed going out to get drunk with Vargas.
When we go to the bar after doing NewsNation and iCrime and get drunk and talk to some people, Shepherd said before Vargas interrupted: “You get drunk. I’ll be your designated driver, she replied. The shepherd went on to say, At home, you write a fictional book filled with sex. A crime filled with sex! Viewers called out the host on Twitter during the episode for pushing a recovering alcoholic to drink, with some demanding an apology. According to Vargas, the host apologized after the show for the unintentional faux pas. Sherri apologized over the phone – she was very gracious. It was just that she didn’t know. I don’t think it’s a big deal. As far as I was concerned, I was not in the least upset, she said in a statement. Sherri also apologized to EW: It’s inevitable that mistakes will be made when doing live TV. This happened during my interview with Elizabeth Vargas today, and I apologize. The way she handled it was very gracious in the moment and on the phone when I apologized. She looks forward to returning next season.
@sherrishowtv @sherrieshepherd Please do more research on your guests before speaking to them on live TV. Elizabeth Vargas and alcohol….I was cringing.
— Blue (@Blue96144259) June 1, 2023
Sherri, Elizabeth Vargas is a recovering alcoholic. She's written a book about it. She can't get drunk with you.
— Lauretta (@luvlocs777) June 1, 2023
@sherrishowtv Psst. Elizabeth Vargas is in Recovery from Alcohol. It nearly killed her. Please do not invite her out for a drink, or wild night out. #sherrishow #sherri
— SandraNYNJ (@SandraNYNJ) June 1, 2023
Elizabeth Vargas is an alcoholic and u keep pushing drinks
— Carter (@Carter22996561) June 1, 2023