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Whoopi Goldberg sparked intense backlash and an on-air clash on “The View” after she claimed that Black Americans are just as oppressed as citizens living under the Iranian regime. The heated debate erupted as the panel discussed President Donald Trump’s escalating threats toward Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and whether the U.S. should become more involved in the conflict.
Panelist Alyssa Farah Griffin pushed back, stating, “It’s very different to live in the United States in 2025 than it is to live in Iran.” Goldberg quickly responded, “Not if you’re Black,” igniting a tense exchange that quickly turned combative. Griffin cited Iran’s notorious human rights abuses, particularly against LGBTQ+ individuals, noting, “The Iranians literally throw gay people off of buildings.” Goldberg countered, “Let’s not do that, because we have been known in this country to tie gay folks to the car.”
Outrage Erupts Over Whoopi Goldberg’s Iran Comparison
As the co-hosts raised their voices, Goldberg told Griffin, “There’s no way I can make you understand it,” while Griffin insisted, “The Iranian regime today is nothing compared to the United States.” Goldberg pointed to domestic racial violence and the fear Black families face in the U.S., saying, “Are our kids going to get shot because they’re running through somebody’s neighborhood?”
Griffin clarified that no one was dismissing the real issues facing Americans but argued, “There are places far darker than our country.” When Goldberg brought up that Black Americans couldn’t vote until 1965, Griffin shot back, “They don’t have free and fair elections in Iran… it’s not even the same universe.”
Joy Behar attempted to intervene by suggesting Griffin “reverse roles with a Black person,” but Griffin stood her ground, replying, “I think you know that Iran is a significantly worse country, Joy.” Co-host Sunny Hostin also joined the conversation, questioning the legality of Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and suggesting that diplomacy, not military aggression, should guide international relations. The exchange came amid rising fears of another U.S. military entanglement in the Middle East, as Iranian leaders issued ominous warnings that America would face “irreparable damage” if it chooses to escalate the conflict.
Whoopi Goldberg Blasted by Viewers After Comparing U.S. to Iran
Viewers quickly took to the comments section on Daily Mail‘s report to voice their outrage over Goldberg’s comments. One critic wrote, “Then she should go to Iran to live.” Another added, “She’s completely clueless about Iran,” while a third remarked, “What an ungrateful fool. She’s been blessed with a great career and made lots of money. Shut up Whoopi, you are an embarrassment.”
Other harsh comments included, “Whoopi has a Ph.D. in ridiculousness and a master’s in cluelessness,” and “Not everyone is blessed with a fully functional brain.” Goldberg’s remarks ignited a broader conversation about the dangers of comparing domestic inequality to state-sponsored atrocities, underscoring the deep divisions among Americans over race, privilege, and global politics.
