LOS ANGELES, CA — After years of controversial moments, divisive headlines, and on-air meltdowns, ABC has officially confirmed that it will not be renewing the contracts of longtime The View co-hosts Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg. The bombshell announcement was released late Monday evening and has already ignited a social media firestorm — with some celebrating the news, while others are calling it a betrayal of two of the show’s most iconic voices.

According to internal sources, the network’s decision was based on what executives described as an “increasingly toxic atmosphere” behind the scenes — an environment they claim has become unsustainable for staff, guests, and even fellow panelists.

THE OFFICIAL STATEMENT

In a rare and direct move, ABC issued a formal statement:

“After careful consideration and internal review, ABC has chosen not to renew the contracts of Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg. We recognize their significant contributions over the years, but our commitment to maintaining a healthy, respectful, and forward-thinking environment has led us to this decision. We thank them for their service and wish them well in their future endeavors.”

The network stopped short of explicitly outlining incidents, but insiders say tensions on set had reached a breaking point.

YEARS OF HEADLINES, CONTROVERSY, AND DRAMA

Both Goldberg and Behar have been the face of The View for over a decade, steering the daytime talk show through politics, pop culture, and polarizing debates. But while their voices have been unmistakable, so too have been the scandals.

Whoopi Goldberg, in particular, faced massive backlash in recent years — including a widely condemned Holocaust-related comment in 2022 that led to a suspension. Behar, meanwhile, has frequently drawn criticism for off-the-cuff remarks that some viewers deemed insensitive or dismissive.

Though both women weathered those storms, sources now say internal complaints from crew members, fellow co-hosts, and even celebrity guests began to pile up.

“There was a sense of walking on eggshells,” said one former staffer who asked to remain anonymous. “The energy backstage wasn’t just tense — it was toxic. People dreaded coming to work.”

BACKLASH AND CELEBRATION

Social media exploded in response to the news, with reactions ranging from gleeful applause to furious outcry.

On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #ViewOverhaul, #ByeJoyAndWhoopi, and #JusticeForTheCrew began trending within hours. Conservative commentators praised ABC’s move as “long overdue,” accusing the pair of using the show to spread “divisive liberal propaganda.”

But loyal fans of The View were heartbroken.

“Love them or hate them, Whoopi and Joy were the show,” one fan posted. “This is the end of an era.”

WHO’S NEXT?

The big question now: who will fill the empty seats?

ABC has not yet named replacements, but industry whispers point to a potential shakeup — with younger, more centrist or diverse voices being considered to rebrand the show’s tone. Names like Candace Owens, Bari Weiss, and even Meghan McCain (in a surprise return) have been floated in speculative circles.

“They’re looking to move away from the combative energy and focus more on smart, solution-driven dialogue,” one insider revealed. “It’s going to feel very different.”

GOODBYE, BUT NOT QUIETLY

Neither Joy Behar nor Whoopi Goldberg has issued personal statements as of press time, though sources close to both say they were “furious” about the announcement and are preparing their own public responses.

“This isn’t the last we’ve heard from them,” a source familiar with the situation told Variety. “If ABC thought they could end this quietly, they’ve got another thing coming.”

FINAL THOUGHT

For better or worse, Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg helped shape The View into a cultural powerhouse — one that wasn’t afraid to rattle cages or dive headfirst into controversy. But in an era of accountability and shifting media expectations, even icons aren’t immune to consequences.

ABC’s bold decision marks the end of a chapter — and possibly, the beginning of a major transformation in daytime television.

Whether this move restores the show’s relevance or alienates its core audience remains to be seen. But one thing is clear:

The View will never be the same again.