Brutally Humiliated by Eminem and Dr. Dre, Famous DJ Breaks Down in Tears Feeling ‘Tiny and Stupid’

In a candid revelation, renowned BBC Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley has opened up about a deeply unsettling experience she had while interviewing rap icons Eminem and Dr. Dre. During a recent episode of her podcast, Dig It, the 60-year-old DJ recounted the emotional turmoil she faced during the encounter, describing it as a moment that left her feeling “tiny and stupid.”

Reflecting on her past interviews, Jo recalled a time when she spoke with a young and humble Eminem, who was polite and respectful, frequently addressing her as “ma’am.” However, the dynamic shifted dramatically when she interviewed him again, this time alongside Dr. Dre. Jo described the atmosphere as “horrible,” noting how the fame had transformed Eminem into a different persona altogether. “They were just so playful with me,” she said, “and can I just say they made me feel so tiny and so stupid.”

This revelation came as Jo was discussing whether she had ever felt starstruck during her career. Alongside her co-host Zoe Bell, she expressed that the interview was a “really unpleasant experience,” highlighting the stark contrast between her previous interactions with Eminem and the more recent one.

Jo’s reflections on this uncomfortable moment come in the wake of her ongoing discussions about mental health and anxiety, particularly during her DJing career in the 1990s. In a heartfelt conversation with Woman’s Health, she shared, “I remember doing one gig and I was just so scared, I thought I can’t go on like this. This is ridiculous. It’s ruining my life because I’m just such a ball of anxiety.” However, she found solace in the joy her performances brought to others, which became a turning point for her.

Additionally, Jo addressed the objectification of women prevalent in the media during the 1990s and early 2000s, particularly in the context of “lad mags.” She remarked, “There was so much objectification and judgement of women and their bodies. It was a ludicrous time to be a woman, but I just kept my head down and weathered the storm.”

Jo has also been open about her struggles with anxiety during menopause, echoing the sentiments of fellow presenter Davina McCall, who advocates for more conversations around the topic. “I really lost myself at the time. I cried all the time. I mean, I cry a lot anyway but I cried all the time. I just felt very weak,” she admitted. However, she emphasized that getting physically strong through exercise has played a crucial role in her journey to reclaiming her identity, stating, “It really saved me.”

Jo Whiley’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry and the importance of mental health awareness.