Harris Faulkner Opens Up About Family Pain and Calls Out ‘The View’ for Hostility and Divisiveness

In a revealing interview that has left Fox News fans stunned, Harris Faulkner, the respected anchor of The Faulkner Focus, shared personal reflections about her family and a highly charged experience on The View that still haunts her to this day. Faulkner, 59, known for her composed and insightful commentary, opened up about the challenges she faced after a divisive moment on The View, specifically addressing how she was personally attacked by co-host Sunny Hostin. Faulkner, who recently celebrated a milestone in her career by surpassing The View in ratings, took the opportunity to reflect on the changing dynamics at both The View and in her own family life.

Fox News’ Ratings Victory and Faulkner’s Criticism of ‘The View’

Faulkner’s blunt critique of The View comes after a historic ratings win for The Faulkner Focus. In January 2025, Faulkner’s show beat out The View in total viewership by over 40,000 viewers, a win that has been celebrated by Fox News fans and analysts alike. Faulkner made no secret of her disdain for the show’s approach to political discourse. “On The View, there is this sort of, shout it, cuss it, do whatever you gotta do to get a little more attention around the hot topics,” she said, referring to the combative nature of the show’s debates. She added that the show had “gone downhill” since the days of Barbara Walters, criticizing its focus on sensationalism rather than meaningful conversation.

In her view, The View’s hosts, including Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar, often prioritize confrontation over constructive dialogue, something she believes is harmful to political discourse. Faulkner specifically called out Hostin for her controversial comments, stating that Hostin had “read so many apologies on the air recently for things she and others have said on the show,” signaling a disregard for the truth and the legal ramifications of their remarks. Faulkner’s sharp criticism of the ABC talk show comes amid increasing tensions between the two networks, and with The Faulkner Focus now beating The View in ratings, it’s clear the competition is intensifying.

A Painful Experience on ‘The View’ in 2018: Faulkner Opens Up About Her Family

Faulkner’s candid interview also revealed a painful and personal moment she experienced during a 2018 appearance on The View, where the topic of her biracial children was brought up by Hostin. “Sunny Hostin came after me,” Faulkner said, recalling the incident when a large picture of her biracial children was shown on the screen behind her. Hostin used the moment to question Faulkner’s perspective on race, particularly asking whether Faulkner felt a special responsibility to the Black community. Faulkner, ever graceful, replied, “I feel a responsibility to everyone,” a statement that earned her applause from the studio audience.

However, things took a more uncomfortable turn when Hostin continued to push the conversation into racial territory, despite Faulkner’s clear discomfort. Faulkner admitted that she was worried about how her children, Bella and Danika, would feel watching the exchange, with the implication that Hostin’s remarks were crossing a line. “They had put a picture of my biracial children on a huge digital wall behind me, and Sunny took the conversation to race,” Faulkner recalled, emphasizing the personal nature of the attack. Thankfully, The View co-host Whoopi Goldberg intervened and changed the subject, but Faulkner was left with a sour taste in her mouth about the entire experience.

Parental Pain and Raising Biracial Children in the Spotlight

Faulkner’s reflections on her family life reveal the emotional toll of raising biracial children in the public eye. The controversy surrounding her The View appearance was just one example of the challenges she has faced as a mother. As a Black woman married to a white media professional, Tony Berlin, Faulkner often finds herself navigating both personal and public perceptions of race and identity. This dynamic has added complexity to her parenting experience, especially when her daughters were involved in the media spectacle. In particular, Faulkner’s painful memory of the public questioning of her parenting decisions reflects a broader issue in the media, where personal lives and family choices are often thrust into the spotlight for scrutiny.

Despite the emotional hurdles, Faulkner remains unwavering in her commitment to her family. The incident on The View was particularly jarring because of the personal attack on her role as a mother, especially when it involved her children. Her bond with her daughters is central to her identity, and she has spoken out about the challenges of balancing a high-profile career with raising children who are constantly under the public microscope. “I knew my kids would be watching,” Faulkner said of the The View appearance, underscoring the responsibility she feels as a mother.

The Future of ‘The View’ and the State of Media Divisiveness

Faulkner’s sharp words about The View’s combative atmosphere come at a time when the show’s future is increasingly uncertain. With The Faulkner Focus leading in ratings and Faulkner’s critique of The View gaining traction, the question of whether The View can evolve to meet the shifting expectations of viewers remains to be seen. Faulkner’s analysis points to a broader trend in the media—audiences are increasingly turning away from polarizing, shouting debates and seeking more balanced, thoughtful discussions.

“The View” is built around its fiery debates, but with the political landscape growing more divided and a new generation of viewers looking for different perspectives, its approach may need to adapt. Faulkner’s rise in the ratings and her criticism of her competitors show that there is a demand for more nuanced, respectful political discourse, and it remains to be seen whether The View will respond to that shift or continue with its combative style.

For now, Harris Faulkner’s continued success and outspoken approach to her career show that the future of political commentary on television might just belong to those who value truth, dignity, and measured discussion over soundbites and sensationalism. As Faulkner continues to lead her own show to new heights, the evolving media landscape will certainly be watching closely to see how she influences the conversation in the years to come.