Internet Outraged at Whoopi Goldberg on ‘The View’ After Her Controversial Comments on White People in America

In an episode of The View that has sparked significant controversy, Whoopi Goldberg made a series of comments about the state of race relations in the United States that have left many viewers outraged. During the discussion, Goldberg made a comparison between the struggles faced by Black Americans and the oppressive regime in Iran.

What followed was a wave of backlash across social media, as many found her words insensitive and misguided. The heated exchange on the show has since ignited widespread debate about race, freedom, and the perceptions of American society both within and outside the country.

The Controversial Remarks: Whoopi’s Comparison Between America and Iran

The discussion began as the hosts of The View were talking about the human rights abuses in Iran, specifically focusing on the harsh treatment of women in the country, including being jailed for not wearing the proper clothing. As part of the conversation, Whoopi Goldberg made a comment that immediately raised eyebrows.

“For Black Americans, life in the US can feel as brutal as it does under an oppressive regime like Iran,” Goldberg said. “The US has deeply troubling, historic, ongoing unjust issues with Black people and the LGBTQ+ community. Government leaders have never told us how we need to dress, we can wear whatever we want, color our hair, get tattoos, wear earrings, do whatever we want.” She then contrasted this with life in Iran, where LGBTQ+ people face severe persecution and women are restricted in their rights and freedoms.

Goldberg’s remarks were met with surprise and discomfort from many of her co-hosts and the audience. While she was trying to make a point about America’s issues with race and the systemic challenges faced by Black communities, the comparison to Iran—where there is no freedom of speech, gender equality, or LGBTQ+ rights—did not sit well with many.

The Backlash: Critics Speak Out

As soon as the episode aired, the internet erupted with criticism of Goldberg’s comments. Many were quick to point out the significant differences between the realities of Black Americans in 2025 and the oppression faced by people in countries like Iran. Critics argued that comparing the struggles of Black Americans, who have the right to vote, work, and express themselves freely, to those in a country where basic freedoms are denied, was not only misguided but also disrespectful.

Social media users expressed their outrage, with many questioning how Goldberg could make such a comparison given the privileges and freedoms afforded to people in the U.S. One user on Twitter wrote, “How can Whoopi Goldberg honestly compare the struggles of Black Americans with the brutal oppression in Iran? There’s no freedom of speech in Iran, no freedom for women, and LGBTQ+ people are executed. That’s not the same as being Black in America.”

Many also pointed out that Goldberg, as a wealthy and successful Black woman, enjoys many of the privileges of living in the United States. As a TV host and actress, she has a platform, wealth, and influence that people in repressive regimes, including Iran, could never dream of having. Her remarks left people questioning whether she truly understood the gravity of the oppression people face in countries like Iran, especially given her own position in American society.

Whoopi’s Co-Hosts: Mixed Reactions

Goldberg’s co-hosts on The View had mixed reactions to her comparison. Some tried to temper the situation, while others pushed back against her narrative. Alyssa Farah Griffin, a more moderate voice on the panel, disagreed with Goldberg’s statement, noting that there is a significant difference between the rights Black Americans have in the U.S. and the lack of freedoms in places like Iran.

In the midst of the conversation, another co-host, Joy Behar, continued to support Goldberg’s position, stating that the comparison to Iran made sense when considering the level of injustice and systemic issues Black Americans face. However, others found this line of argument difficult to swallow, especially considering the dire conditions in countries like Iran where dissent is brutally punished.

Goldberg, however, stood firm in her comments, insisting that while she acknowledged the dire situation in Iran, America’s racial issues were serious enough to warrant comparison. She argued that the struggles of Black Americans in the United States were deeply embedded in the nation’s history and continued to affect people’s lives in significant ways. However, the way she framed the argument led many to accuse her of minimizing the very real human rights violations taking place in Iran and other countries with authoritarian regimes.

Social Media Reactions: A Nation Divided

The fallout from Goldberg’s remarks has been felt across the nation, with people across the political spectrum weighing in on the issue. Many conservative voices were quick to condemn Goldberg for what they saw as an inappropriate and misguided comparison. Some even accused her of spreading misinformation or further dividing the nation on the issue of race.

“I can’t believe Whoopi Goldberg would make such a ridiculous statement. The level of oppression in Iran is unimaginable, and to compare that to the situation in the United States is reckless and ignorant,” wrote one conservative commentator on Twitter. “Whoopi needs to understand that her position as a celebrity gives her privilege and a platform to influence people, and this was a gross distortion of reality.”

On the other hand, some progressive voices defended Goldberg’s intent, arguing that she was trying to highlight the need for ongoing dialogue and action around race issues in the U.S. However, they too expressed discomfort with her choice of words and the implications of the comparison.

Even more moderate voices expressed concern over the tone of the conversation, suggesting that Goldberg’s comparison only added fuel to the fire in a nation already grappling with deep racial and political divisions. “We need to have open, honest conversations about race in America, but comparing the experience of Black Americans to living in Iran is not the way to do it,” one political commentator stated. “It undermines the real issues and distracts from the real conversation we should be having.”

Whoopi’s Apology and the Ongoing Debate

In the aftermath of the episode’s airing, Goldberg issued an apology for her comments. She acknowledged that her comparison was insensitive and that she had not intended to diminish the gravity of the situation in Iran. “I realize now that my words were poorly chosen and not the right way to address the topic,” Goldberg said in a statement. “I respect the struggles of Black Americans in our country and understand the serious issues we face. I did not mean to imply that the experiences of Black Americans are equivalent to the oppression in places like Iran.”

While Goldberg’s apology was appreciated by some, the damage had already been done. The conversation around race and oppression, particularly in the context of global human rights issues, was further complicated by her controversial statement. The debate over her words continues to simmer, as people grapple with the complexities of race, freedom, and justice in the United States.

Conclusion: A Lesson in Sensitivity and Responsibility

Whoopi Goldberg’s comparison between Black Americans’ struggles and the oppressive regime in Iran has ignited a firestorm of controversy, leaving many viewers questioning the responsibility of public figures to address sensitive topics with care. While Goldberg’s intent may have been to highlight the importance of addressing race relations in America, her choice of words only served to distract from the real issues at hand.

In a world where public discourse is often divisive and charged with emotion, it is essential that leaders, celebrities, and influencers choose their words carefully. As this incident demonstrates, a single comment can easily become a lightning rod for outrage and debate, ultimately overshadowing the very message one intends to deliver.

For now, the fallout from Goldberg’s remarks continues, and the conversation surrounding race, freedom, and justice in the United States remains as complicated as ever. Only time will tell how this debate will evolve, but one thing is certain: sensitive topics like these require thoughtful consideration and a deep understanding of the complexities involved.