Whoopi Goldberg Faces Intense Backlash Over U.S.-Iran Comparison and Bakery Incident

Whoopi Goldberg is facing widespread criticism after making controversial remarks on ABC’s "The View," where she compared the experiences of Black Americans in the United States to the conditions faced by citizens in Iran. The comments, made during a heated segment discussing tensions in the Middle East, ignited immediate backlash from viewers, commentators, and especially Iranian dissidents, who labeled her statements as "deeply misguided" and "offensive" for dismissing the brutal realities faced by millions under Iran’s repressive regime.

During the episode, Goldberg objected to co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin’s characterization of Iran’s human rights abuses, responding, "Let's not do that, because if we start with that, we have been known in this country to tie gay folks to the car... They used to just keep hanging Black people". When pressed, Goldberg insisted, "it is the same," prompting her co-host to push back and argue that the Iranian regime is "nothing compared to the United States," especially regarding free and fair elections and basic rights. Iranian dissidents and commentators swiftly condemned Goldberg’s remarks, with some calling them "as racist as anything" and accusing her of downplaying the severity of life under Iran’s theocratic government.

The controversy has reignited debates about Goldberg’s history of polarizing statements. Right-wing media outlets and social media users have called for her removal from "The View," while Fox News anchors described her comments as "asinine" and "despicable," especially given the context of Juneteenth and America’s progress since the era of Jim Crow and slavery.

Adding to the uproar, Goldberg also faced allegations of falsely claiming that a New York City bakery refused her service due to her political beliefs. The bakery owner denied the accusation, explaining that the refusal was due to a boiler issue, not politics. The Staten Island community has since rallied in support of the bakery, further intensifying the backlash against Goldberg.

This latest incident follows a series of controversies involving Goldberg, including previous suspensions and public apologies for racially insensitive and erroneous remarks made on "The View". As calls for accountability grow louder, ABC has yet to announce any disciplinary action regarding the current controversy.