Whoopi Goldberg, renowned TV host and actress, recently ignited a controversy on ABC’s “The View” when she spoke about her personal financial struggles amidst a broader economic conversation.
Goldberg addressed her financial struggles on the popular daytime talk show on November 12, 2024. “I appreciate that people are having a hard time—me, too. I work for a living,” she stated.
The award-winning actress (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) further elaborated on her financial situation, “If I had all the money in the world, I would not be here, okay? So, I’m a working person, you know?”
In the course of the discussion, Goldberg alluded to family responsibilities, stating, “My kid has to feed her family. I know it’s hard out there.”
Goldberg’s comments incited reactions from viewers and media, particularly due to her reported $8 million annual salary from “The View” and an estimated $60 million net worth.
Much of the public aired their thoughts on social media, portraying Goldberg as out-of-touch with reality. Critics highlighted her significant net worth, with one individual pointing out the stark contrast between her claims of being “working class” and her financial standing.
Another commenter suggested that Goldberg appeared as one of the most disconnected celebrities, questioning why anyone would take her seriously. Several others shared similar views, with one saying that high-earning actors are often detached from real-world financial struggles and another inquiring when she last set foot in a grocery store.
Earlier in the same month, Goldberg had received backlash for labeling grocery store owners as “pigs” during a discussion on inflation. The National Grocers Association responded by warning that such remarks could put retail workers at risk, indicating that grocery stores operate on slim profit margins.
The controversy extended past her financial statements on November 13, 2024, when Goldberg was entangled in a disagreement with Holtermann’s Bakery in Staten Island, New York City. She suggested on air that the bakery had denied her order based on her political beliefs. However, the bakery clarified that they were dealing with boiler issues that prevented them from fulfilling her order, a fact they had communicated to Goldberg. Local politicians have since called for her to apologize for the unfounded claim, which the bakery strongly refutes.
Goldberg, who started on “The View” in 2007, has yet to publicly respond to the backlash against her financial remarks or the allegations concerning the bakery.
