For years, fans of The View have speculated about one question that refuses to fade: who makes the most money at the table? Now, after months of whispers and online rumors, Whoopi Goldberg has finally spoken out—and her revelation about Joy Behar’s salary has sent shockwaves through both the industry and the fandom.

In a candid off-air conversation that later spread online, Goldberg reportedly addressed what she called “a wild misconception” about how The View pays its co-hosts. Her comments didn’t just confirm some of the rumors—they exposed the unspoken power dynamics that have fueled drama at the show for years.

“You Won’t Believe How Much Joy Actually Makes”

Whoopi’s remark came with a laugh, but her tone made it clear: Joy Behar’s paycheck isn’t something to scoff at.

“People love to guess, but Joy’s not hurting,” Goldberg said. “She’s been here longer than anyone. You think she’d show up every day for free?”

According to insiders, Behar—who helped launch The View in 1997 and remains one of its most recognizable voices—has long enjoyed one of the most lucrative contracts in daytime TV. Sources close to production say her salary sits comfortably in the seven-figure range, rivaling or even surpassing that of Goldberg herself.

And that’s where the tension begins.

A Show Built on Friendship… and Fierce Negotiations

Behind The View’s laughter, debates, and viral on-air clashes lies a show that has always been as much about business as it is about banter. Every host—past and present—has had to fight for her place at the table, and money has often played a defining role in those battles.

Joy Behar, at 82, remains the last original co-host standing—a survivor of countless cast changes, controversies, and media storms. Her longevity, combined with her ability to stir headlines, has reportedly given her enormous leverage in contract talks.

“Joy knows her value,” said one former ABC producer. “She brings consistency and sharp wit. Even when viewers disagree with her, they watch her. And for Disney-owned ABC, that translates directly to dollars.”

But with great pay comes great resentment.

Whoopi’s Confession Stirs the Pot

When Goldberg made her comment about Joy’s earnings, she may not have expected it to ignite such a firestorm. Within hours, fans began debating whether it was fair for Behar to earn more than her fellow co-hosts, including Sunny Hostin, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Sara Haines.

Others pointed out that Goldberg herself, as the show’s lead moderator since 2007, commands one of the highest salaries in all of daytime television—reportedly upwards of $8 million per year.

So why did she bring up Joy’s paycheck at all?

Some insiders believe Whoopi’s remark was a subtle jab at online critics who accuse the show of playing favorites. Others think it was a moment of genuine pride, highlighting how far women on daytime television have come in earning the kind of respect—and compensation—once reserved for their male counterparts.

The Power and Price of Staying Relevant

Money has always been The View’s quiet battleground. Over the years, former hosts like Meghan McCain and Rosie O’Donnell have openly discussed salary disputes and behind-the-scenes tension. McCain once described the environment as “high school with paychecks,” while O’Donnell called it “a show where you have to fight to be heard—and to be paid fairly.”

Whoopi’s latest comment seems to confirm what many fans already sensed: the on-screen chemistry comes with an off-screen cost.

Still, Behar appears unfazed. In a recent appearance, she joked about the chatter, saying,

“I’ve been called loud, opinionated, and overpaid—and honestly, I can live with all three.”

The audience roared with laughter.

The Viewers’ Verdict

If there’s one thing The View has mastered over the years, it’s turning controversy into ratings gold. Every whisper of tension, every unscripted outburst, every candid confession—fans can’t look away.

And this latest reveal has only added fuel to the fascination. On social media, viewers debated whether the show’s longevity owes more to its outspoken hosts or to the very friction that keeps them on edge.

“Whoopi and Joy are The View,” one fan posted. “Without them, it’s just another talk show.”

Another wrote, “The fact that we’re even talking about their paychecks proves how much power they have.”

The Bottom Line

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: The View continues to thrive not in spite of its controversies—but because of them.

Whoopi’s offhand comment has once again reminded the world that behind the laughter, there’s a complex mix of ego, empowerment, and economics driving every headline.

And for Joy Behar, it’s proof that being outspoken—and unapologetically herself—still pays off in more ways than one.