The Hilarious and Embarrassing Tale of Margaret Cho’s Onstage Mishap
In the world of comedy, few stories are as outrageous and memorable as the one shared by comedian Margaret Cho about an unforgettable performance in the early 2000s. This incident, which involved a wardrobe malfunction of epic proportions, showcases not only the unpredictability of live performances but also Cho’s ability to find humor in even the most embarrassing situations.
A Comedy Show Gone Awry
Margaret Cho, known for her candid and often risqué humor, recounted a particularly chaotic moment during a stand-up routine. Dressed in an all-white outfit, she was on stage, delivering a set that had the audience roaring with laughter. However, unbeknownst to her fans, Cho was battling an unexpected and uncontrollable situation.
The Culprit: A Weight Loss Drug
The source of Cho’s distress was a weight loss drug she had been taking, which she described as "weird" and effective in a rather unfortunate way. These medications were designed to eliminate fat from the food she consumed, but the side effects were less than glamorous. "These weird drugs would just make you s—," she explained, setting the stage for the chaos that was about to unfold.
The Moment of Truth
As Cho neared the end of her set, she felt the telltale signs of an impending disaster. "I started to s— out," she recalled, unable to control the situation. The substance that was about to escape her body was not just any ordinary mess; it was a greasy, orange liquid, reminiscent of the oil that collects on top of a pizza. The irony of performing in white while experiencing such a mishap was not lost on her.
The Audience’s Reaction
Despite the chaos unfolding behind the scenes, the audience remained blissfully unaware of Cho’s predicament. She received a standing ovation and was even called back for an encore. However, with the situation escalating, Cho had no choice but to retreat backstage. "I just started spurting orange grease out of my a–hole while I’m onstage," she humorously recounted, highlighting the absurdity of the moment.
A Quick Escape
Fortunately for Cho, the venue was small, and the backstage area was empty. After making her hasty exit from the stage, she found a moment of privacy to alleviate her discomfort. "I squatted on the ground, and I let the rest of the oil out of my a–hole just to alleviate the cramping," she shared, painting a vivid picture of her desperate attempt to regain control.
The Aftermath: A Stained Car and Tears
Once the show concluded, Cho faced the reality of her situation. She got into her car, still hearing the applause of the audience echoing in her ears. However, the joy of performing was quickly overshadowed by the realization that her car’s fabric seats were now stained with the orange grease. "I had to just get a new car," she lamented, reflecting on the unfortunate consequences of her onstage mishap.
A Comedic Perspective
When asked about her mindset during the drive home, Cho admitted to feeling upset and disgusted. "I was crying," she confessed, concerned about the damage to her car and the embarrassment of the entire situation. Yet, true to her comedic nature, she also found humor in the absurdity of it all. "I was also laughing cuz this is like really funny, too," she noted, showcasing her ability to find light in dark moments.
A Lesson Learned
In the end, Cho’s experience served as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of quick-fix solutions for weight loss. "I stopped taking the drugs at that point," she concluded, emphasizing the importance of being mindful of what we put into our bodies.
Margaret Cho’s story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of live performance and the resilience of comedians who can turn even the most embarrassing moments into laughter. Her ability to share this experience with humor and grace reminds us all that sometimes, life’s mishaps can lead to the best stories.

