Margaret Cho Details Mortifying Onstage Incident Linked to Weight Loss Medication
Margaret Cho is sharing details about a mortifying onstage experience triggered by the side effects of weight loss medications.
“I began taking various unusual drugs. There [were] also foods designed to accelerate food movement through the body,” Cho, 57, revealed on the Wednesday, January 7, episode of the “How to Fail” podcast. “All these sweeteners caused constant diarrhea. I essentially started consuming only those items and then taking these drugs that prevented the absorption of fat from the food I ate.”
During the early stages of her stand-up career, Cho battled anorexia and frequently attempted to lose weight through different medications. (While Cho didn’t specify the medications she used on Wednesday, Orlistat is a drug commonly prescribed to stop the body from absorbing dietary fat.)
“I was consuming all these strange drugs that induced severe bowel movements, and I also frequently wore white,” she recalled. “There was one instance where I was dressed entirely in white during a performance, and I was doing exceptionally well. I was nearing the end of my set when I began experiencing a bowel issue. I was unable to maintain control.”
Rosie O'Donnell and More Stars Who’ve Used Mounjaro for Weight Loss
Cho continued, “The issue started to manifest as a discharge because it was primarily oil [and] it was simply grease, as these drugs block fat absorption. All that remained was expelled from my body, resembling pepperoni grease typically seen on top of a pizza. It was orange, and I believe the pills I was taking were also orange, causing them to dye the oil and adhere to it, facilitating its expulsion.”
Consequently, Cho’s white “dress-and-pants combination” became stained a vibrant orange.
“I started expelling orange grease from my rectum while performing onstage,” Cho said. “I concluded the show while the discharge continued. I received a standing ovation, and the audience requested an encore, but all I could do was retreat behind the curtains.”
After leaving the stage, Cho quickly “squatted on the ground” to release the remaining orange-stained oils, providing relief from cramping.
“It was simple to lower [my pants], as they were loose drawstring pants,” she added. “I stood up, and my car was conveniently located right outside the stage door. There was no one backstage, and the parking lot was deserted, with only a single space designated for one car. I entered the car [and] I could still hear the audience applauding, seemingly demanding an encore.”
Margaret Cho's 'Live and Livid' Tour Is the Purr-fect Place for Her Pets
Cho continued, “As I drove away, a large orange oil stain remained on the front seat of my car, which I was unable to remove. I ultimately had to purchase a new car.”
According to Cho, she was also in tears at the time.
“I was crying [and] I was genuinely upset,” she admitted. “I felt deeply disgusted. I was also worried because I was staining the car seat, and I wasn’t sure how to get it out, as it was fabric, not leather. [The seats were now] intensely orange and had a strong odor, and I was also laughing because the situation was undeniably humorous.”
Cho discontinued the use of weight loss medication following her onstage incident.
If you or someone you know struggles with an eating disorder, visit the National Alliance for Eating Disorders website or call their hotline at +1 (866) 662-1235. Text “ALLIANCE” to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.
