A firestorm of controversy has erupted around The View co-host Whoopi Goldberg after she made inflammatory comments comparing the experiences of Black Americans to life under Iran's authoritarian regime.
According to the Daily Mail, Goldberg sparked outrage during last Wednesday's show when she interrupted co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin's praise of American freedoms by declaring that life for Black Americans was "the same" as living under Iran's oppressive government.
The heated exchange began when Griffin stated, "The U.S. in 2025 is not as bad as Iran in 2025," prompting Goldberg to interject, "Not if you're black." The Oscar-winning actress, worth an estimated $60 million, went on to reference America's history of racial violence, telling Griffin "they used to just keep hanging black people" and insisting "there's no way I can make you understand it."
Dr. Sheila Nazarian, who fled Iran with her family in 1985 at age six, strongly criticized Goldberg's statements as dismissive of the brutal realities faced by millions under Iran's current regime. The plastic surgeon shared her perspective on Fox News, highlighting the stark differences between the two nations.
Social media erupted with similar condemnation, with many pointing out the irony of Goldberg's position. One TikTok user noted that Goldberg being "a multi-millionaire black woman on national television" itself demonstrated the fundamental differences between America and Iran's treatment of minorities and women.
The controversy has attracted criticism from across the political spectrum, with comedian Bill Maher calling on the Democratic party to "do something" about The View after playing the widely ridiculed clip on his show Friday.
Joy Behar addressed Goldberg's conspicuous absence on Monday's show, explaining that her co-host was in Italy accepting an award for her book "Bits and Pieces." However, the timing of her overseas trip has raised eyebrows given the intense backlash.
According to sources, Goldberg will not return to The View before its annual weeklong summer break next week. She is expected to resume her co-hosting duties on July 7th alongside her fellow panelists.
This extended absence comes amid reports that ABC News and parent company Disney have asked The View's hosts to tone down their political commentary, particularly regarding Donald Trump.
This is not Goldberg's first brush with controversy since taking over as moderator from Rosie O'Donnell in 2007. The actress faced a two-week suspension in 2022 after claiming the Holocaust was "not about race," comments that drew widespread condemnation from Jewish organizations.
During Wednesday's contentious segment, Goldberg also pushed back when Griffin referenced Iran's persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals, claiming, "Let's not do that because if we start with that, we have been known in this country to tie gay folks to the car."
The show's producers have declined to comment on whether any disciplinary action is being considered regarding Goldberg's latest inflammatory remarks.
The controversy emerges as top executives at ABC News and Disney have reportedly asked The View's hosts to moderate their political commentary. This follows several high-profile incidents, including a $15 million libel settlement with Trump and the firing of correspondent Terry Moran over social media posts.
While Goldberg maintains she was drawing valid historical parallels, critics argue her comments trivialize the systematic oppression faced by Iranian citizens. Her temporary absence from the show, though officially unrelated, has done little to quell the intense debate her statements have ignited.
The View will continue with its regular programming schedule, though viewers will have to wait until after the show's summer break to hear if Goldberg addresses the controversy directly upon her return.
