The View is no stranger to on-air gaffes. As one of the most popular live shows on TV, this long-running daytime institution has been the platform for a plethora of moments over the years that have stirred conversation, for better or worse. Recently, the show found itself engulfed in a new controversy. In March 2023, moderator and longtime co-host Whoopi Goldberg used a term during a live broadcast that has historically been employed as a slur.
As the Manhattan District Attorney appeared to be preparing to indict former President Donald Trump for an alleged hush payment to adult film actor Stormy Daniels in 2016, The View co-hosts shared their thoughts on the potential legal consequences. Conservative co-host and former Trump assistant, Alyssa Farah Griffin, highlighted the outraged reactions from “white MAGA bros on Twitter.”
In a bid to elaborate on what she perceived to be the thought process of Trump’s supporters, Goldberg made comments that referenced longstanding stereotypes against Romani people. “The people who still believe that he got, you know, [cheated] somehow in the [2020] election, will still believe that he cared enough about his wife to pay the…” she stated, but interrupted herself with a burp mid-sentence, adding a humorous twist to a tense topic.
Following the broadcast, The View’s official Twitter account shared a video of Goldberg addressing her choice of words during the segment. “You know, when you’re a certain age, you use words that you know from when you’re a kid or you remember saying, and that’s what I did today, and I shouldn’t have,” Goldberg stated. “I should have thought about it a little longer before I said it, but I didn’t.”
“I should have said ‘cheated,’ and I used another word,” she reflected, “and I’m really, really sorry.” This incident is not Goldberg’s first brush with controversy regarding her comments. In January 2022, she sparked considerable backlash after controversially claiming that the Holocaust was not about race, but rather about “man’s inhumanity to man.” Her remarks showcased a misunderstanding of the historical context of Hitler’s racialization of Jewish people and Romani communities, which ultimately led to her receiving a two-week suspension from the show.
Goldberg’s recent missteps highlight an ongoing trend of public figures facing repercussions for their comments, particularly in a politically charged atmosphere. The cultural sensitivity surrounding language, especially regarding historically marginalized communities, has heightened in recent years. Figures like Goldberg, who holds a platform with significant influence, carry the responsibility of being mindful of the impact their words may have.
In today’s media landscape, where every word is scrutinized, it is essential for hosts and commentators to foster constructive discourse rather than perpetuate divisive narratives. As noted by journalist and political commentator Dan Rather, “The stakes of our conversations are higher than ever; we must communicate with the care and understanding that our diverse society deserves.”
Goldberg has also expressed her desire to evolve and learn from her mistakes. “I believe that with more dialogue and understanding, we can find common ground—even when our opinions may differ vastly,” she remarked in a previous interview. Through her admissions, Goldberg embodies the idea that even figures in prominent positions are capable of growth.
The View continues to be at the epicenter of cultural conversations, raising important issues and sparking dialogues on race, politics, and feminism. Without a doubt, the combination of its co-hosts’ diverse viewpoints and its candid approach is what has made it popular yet controversial over the years. As viewers tune in, they experience the unpredictability of live television, which both entertains and educates.
Ultimately, the balance between freedom of speech and accountability remains a delicate issue in a society that values both. As The View navigates these turbulent waters, it underscores the importance of using platforms responsibly while embracing diverse perspectives.
