WHY AM I STILL HERE?” Whoopi Goldberg SECRETLY TRIED TO QUIT The View THREE TIMES — Network BLOCKED Her Each Time, Sources Say

In what is now shaping up to be one of the most tightly kept secrets in daytime television, The View’s longtime moderator, Whoopi Goldberg, has allegedly tried to leave the hit show not once, not twice, but three times — and each time, her exit was blocked by top-level network executives, according to shocking new claims from insiders.

Despite her iconic role on the Emmy-winning panel, sources close to the 68-year-old EGOT winner say that behind the scenes, Goldberg is deeply unhappy, exhausted, and feeling increasingly “trapped” by a contract that has become, in her own alleged words, “a velvet cage.”

“She’s done. She’s BEEN done,” a senior production insider tells us. “But they won’t let her go. Every time she tries, they twist her arm with legal threats, NDA warnings, or throw more money at her. She says it’s not about the money anymore — she just wants her peace.”

🕵️‍♂️ “SHE SIGNED SOMETHING SHE CAN’T UNDO”

According to one anonymous legal consultant familiar with ABC’s contractual operations, Goldberg may have signed a multi-tiered clause in her 2021 renewal that allows Disney (ABC’s parent company) to enforce extended appearances for “brand continuity” in the event of political or ratings crises.

“Essentially, she became a network asset, not just a host,” the consultant explained. “That’s the danger when you’re too iconic — they build the brand around you, and then won’t let you leave without risking collapse.”

🔒 TRAPPED IN BROAD DAYLIGHT?

The alleged attempts to resign are said to have occurred in:

Late 2022 following her suspension over Holocaust-related remarks.

Early 2023 after reported behind-the-scenes blowups with Sunny Hostin over off-air political disputes.

And February 2024, after she suffered a private health scare that she allegedly told friends was “a divine sign to stop.”

Each time, Goldberg was either persuaded or pressured to stay, sources say. One even claims she cried in her dressing room after the third failed resignation, allegedly telling a longtime stylist:

“I don’t even know why I’m still here. This isn’t the work I came into this business to do.”

📉 A TOXIC WORKPLACE?

While The View thrives on its onscreen chaos, whispers about its toxic backstage energy have circulated for years. Several former producers have gone on record describing the environment as “hostile,” “cutthroat,” and even “manipulative.”

“The way they control information, divide the hosts, leak selective outrage — it’s psychological warfare,” one ex-staffer told us. “Whoopi’s been the backbone of that show, but they’ve made her feel replaceable if she dares speak up.”

🎤 “AN EXPLOSIVE EXIT IS COMING”

With her contract reportedly ending in mid-2026, insiders believe Goldberg may be preparing for a scorched-earth exit, possibly with a tell-all memoir or even a behind-the-scenes documentary.

In recent weeks, she’s been unusually candid on air, even hinting at her discontent:

“They pay me to say what I think… most of the time,” she said cryptically on a May 2025 broadcast.
And in an offhand comment during a commercial break picked up by a hot mic, she allegedly muttered: “One more season and I’m setting fire to all of it.”

👁️ NETWORK SILENCE, BUT RUMORS SWIRL

When contacted for comment, ABC declined to respond. But viewers have noticed subtle changes: Whoopi has missed more episodes than usual, and there are reports of new guest hosts being “trialed” for future placements.

Still, Goldberg remains in her seat — for now.

Will Whoopi Goldberg finally break free from what she calls ‘the contract that controls her life’? Or will the network silence her for good before she can speak her truth?

One thing is clear: something big is brewing at The View — and we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg.