'The View': Whoopi Goldberg cho biết việc công nhận sự nổi tiếng của Caitlin Clark là do da trắng, thì việc dị tính cũng giống như nói với ai đó rằng họ chỉ vào được trường Ivy League vì họ là người da đen | Decider

In a fiery unscripted rant that left producers scrambling and Joy Behar muttering “oh no” off-camera, Whoopi Goldberg dropped a rhetorical bomb during The View‘s Thursday broadcast — and nobody saw it coming.

Just as a heated debate about WNBA star Caitlin Clark’s rising fame was hitting boiling point, Goldberg silenced the studio with a shockingly blunt analogy that instantly sent social media into meltdown:

“Discrediting her for being white and straight? That’s like saying someone only got into an Ivy League school because they’re Black.”

The audience gasped. Sunny Hostin visibly stiffened. One crew member was reportedly heard whispering, “Did she really just say that?”

🔥 CHAOS ON SET — Segment Cut Early

According to a View staffer who spoke exclusively to us under condition of anonymity, the segment was supposed to highlight the “Caitlin Clark effect” on women’s sports viewership — not spark a full-blown race-and-identity war on live TV.

“Producers had to cut to commercial 90 seconds earlier than scheduled,” the insider revealed. “There was shouting backstage, and Whoopi refused to apologize.”

This is the second time this month Goldberg has caused internal headaches for ABC execs, who are reportedly debating whether her off-script moments are still “ratings gold” or “brand risk.”

🎯 Clark Responds — With Chilling Calm

Hours after the episode aired, Caitlin Clark broke her silence with a five-word post that sent chills across the internet:

“I know exactly who I am.”

Over 9.7 million views in four hours. Endorsement deals reposted the quote. Even Serena Williams liked the tweet.

👀 Was This Personal?

Some insiders believe Goldberg’s remarks may have been directed at critics within her own network, not just the public. A leaked internal memo from a View producer mentions “rising tensions over how race and merit are framed on-air.”

A former ABC writer added:

“Whoopi’s felt boxed in lately — like she has to always toe one side. This was her way of flipping the narrative.”

📉 Fallout or Firestorm?

The network hasn’t issued a statement — yet. But behind closed doors, ad partners are reportedly “monitoring” the backlash. One major sportswear sponsor linked to Caitlin Clark has allegedly pressed ABC for clarification.

Meanwhile, the debate continues: Is Goldberg defending fairness, or minimizing systemic bias?