Whoopi Goldberg threw her cue cards on the desk during Tuesday's edition of The View, appearing frustrated by a series of interruptions during a discussion about pickleball. The 70-year-old EGOT winner seemed flustered as the ABC chat roundtable drew to a close, unable to get a word in to conclude the Hot Topics segment.
Interruptions Lead to Frustration
After Goldberg asked whether pickleball should be taken seriously, Ana Navarro interjected, saying, 'I feel attacked here,' cutting off the host. Alyssa Farah Griffin then remarked that pickleball is 'harder than it looks,' as Goldberg attempted to speak. Panelists Sara Haines and Sunny Hostin also expressed their views, making it difficult for Goldberg to steer the conversation.
Navarro said, 'But, I say to you people,' to which Goldberg cut her off, retorting, 'Listen, hush up! Let me finish so I can close the thing up!' The moment prompted Navarro to predict it would create headlines, a forecast that proved accurate as multiple news outlets reported the exchange.
Earlier Segment with Dr. Jill Biden
Earlier in the show, the panel welcomed former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, who was promoting her new book View from the East Wing. Goldberg has moderated the ABC program since 2007, often making headlines for her outspoken views, particularly on politics and her disdain for President Donald Trump.
Rumors of Replacement Denied
An insider spoke to the Daily Mail last month about rumors that producers might be looking to replace Goldberg. The source suggested that negative talk might be part of a strategy by those who would benefit from her departure. 'Producers and the ladies believe all the negative talk of turmoil is coming from those in the Trump administration and other Republicans that don't like the show or the ladies,' the insider said.
The source added that spreading rumors about Goldberg, who earns an estimated $8 million annually on the show, could be an effort to manifest her ouster. 'Many believe that a continued effort is being made to put negative news out there to get a reaction and also for them to materialize it to become true,' the source claimed.
Cast Remains Intact
The current cast, including Goldberg, Griffin, Hostin, Haines, Navarro, and Joy Behar (who is on sabbatical), remains intact as the show heads into its 30th season. 'The ladies are all content with keeping their jobs,' the insider said, adding that 'people behind the scenes are happy with how the show is going and having Whoopi at the helm.'
Kathie Lee Gifford criticized the show's tone in March, saying, 'Everybody [on the panel] seems like they’re just miserable people now.' She added, 'I may make people miserable just talking the way we’re talking, but nobody will ever confuse me with a miserable person, right?'
The View airs weekdays on ABC at 11/10c.
