Whoopi Goldberg, the EGOT-winning actress and comedian, has been a co-host of the popular talk show "The View" since 2007. Over the years, her tenure has been marked by a series of controversies, ranging from comments on historical events to awkward exchanges with co-hosts. Here's a look at some of the most notable incidents:
1. The Holocaust Remarks: In a 2022 episode, Goldberg sparked outrage when she opined that the Holocaust, which resulted in the death of over 6 million Jewish people, was "not about race" but rather "man's inhumanity to man." Despite pushback from co-hosts, Goldberg stood by her statement, leading to a two-week suspension from the show. ABC News president Kim Godwin stated that while Goldberg had apologized, she was asked to "take time to reflect and learn about the impact of her comments."
2. Inappropriate Questions: Goldberg recently faced backlash after asking co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin if she was pregnant on live television. The unexpected question led to an awkward exchange, with audience members and co-hosts expressing their shock. Social media users criticized Goldberg for her insensitivity, with one viewer commenting on the platform formerly known as Twitter, "Such a disgusting behavior."
3. Blackface Controversy: Goldberg's relationship with Ted Danson in 1993 brought another controversy to the forefront. Danson appeared in blackface during a Friar's Club Roast, reportedly at Goldberg's suggestion. While this incident predates her time on "The View," Goldberg has not been particularly condemnatory when the topic of blackface has arisen on the show.
4. Domestic Violence Remarks: In 2014, following the domestic violence scandal involving NFL player Ray Rice, Goldberg commented, "Don’t be surprised if you hit a man, he hits you back." Her remarks were seen as appearing to justify domestic abuse, drawing criticism from various quarters.
5. Defending Bill Cosby: Goldberg faced backlash in 2015 for defending Bill Cosby amidst multiple accusations of sexual assault against him. She declared him "innocent until proven guilty." Rosie O’Donnell, a former co-host, later revealed that she and Goldberg had disagreements over the Cosby issue.
6. Use of an Ethnic Slur: In a 2023 episode, Goldberg used a derogatory term for Romani travelers. She later apologized online, stating she should have been more thoughtful before using such language.
7. The Will Smith Oscars Incident: Goldberg defended the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences after the 2022 Oscars incident where Will Smith slapped Chris Rock. While the Academy faced criticism for not removing Smith, Goldberg argued that handling such situations during a live show can be challenging.
Throughout her time on "The View," Goldberg has been no stranger to controversy. Her candidness and unfiltered approach have often led to heated debates and public scrutiny. As the show continues to be a platform for discussing current events and hot topics, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Goldberg and her co-hosts.