'The View's' Heated Exchange Over The 'N-Word'

By Access HollywoodJuly 17, 2008, 2:27 pm PDT
Story photo: 'The View's' Heated Exchange Over The 'N-Word'Access Hollywood

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. -- In a scene reminiscent of Rosie O'Donnell's days on "The View," hosts Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Whoopi Goldberg got into a heated exchange over the use of the "N" word on Thursday morning.

Tempers flared during a particularly sizzling session of the show's "Hot Topics" segment while the ladies discussed Jesse Jackson's recent off-air use of the "N-word" while preparing for an appearance on "Fox & Friends" weekend show two weeks ago. Jackson accused Barack Obama of talking down to African American and used the term in question.

Jackson has since issued two statements of apology for his remarks, but nerves were still raw as Whoopi and Elisabeth disagreed about the use of the slur being used, regardless of who is saying it.

[ Elisabeth Hasselbeck's 'View' Breakdown (July 17, 2008) - Play it Now ]

"We live in a world where pop culture uses that term and we're trying to get to a place where we feel like we're in the same place," Elisabeth said. "How are we supposed to thenmove forward if we keep using terms that bring back such pain?"

"I can tell you how, here's how we do it, you listen and say 'Okay, this is how we're using this word and this is why we do it,' and you have to say, 'I understand that, but let's find a new way to move forward,'" Whoopi fired back.

"We don't live in different worlds," Elisabeth insisted, "We live in the same world."

[ All Access: The View - TV - Celebrities - TV One ]

However, Whoopi fiercely disagreed with her co-host, saying, "We do live in different worlds, its just that way. It is Elisabeth."

When Elisabeth became visibly upset, tearing up, Barbara Walters jumped in the middle of the disagreement.

"Take a breath, let someone else talk," "The View" creator snapped.

Elisabeth continued, "This is a conversation that is hard, and we're going to have it here, and we have it here because we love each other."

Luckily, co-host Joy Behar cooled the flames with humorous quip.

"I thought that the 'N-word' that he used, was nuts?" Joy joked.

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
Barack Obama - Check Out the Photos
Access Extended: 'The View' Welcomes Whoopi - Play it Now
'The View' - Check Out the Photos

back to top

comments

comments 1-10 of 164  | newest | < newer | older > | oldest
  • khalilah a
    Who is she anyway? She participated in a reality show and she's married to a football player. So what? Compare that to the credentials and experience of Whoopie and Barbara. How dare she think she can compete with them. She should welcome the opportunity to be in their presence and learn as much as she can from them. Then she wouldn't keep looking like a fool. No wonder she support
    report abuseposted October 1, 2008, 5:41 pm PDT
  • Melissa
    African American Culture? Calling each other N***** is part of your culture? Give me a break!!!! The word should never be used! I am a hispanic woman and none of my friends would ever call each other "'WETBACK "as a term of endearment. I agree with Elizabeth and appreciate her honesty.
    report abuseposted October 1, 2008, 3:49 pm PDT
  • EbbyDay
    The show would be boring if they all agreed. They would just be a bunch of nodding heads with nothing much to say. I was sorry to see Rosie leave (but Whoopie has been a great replacement) because she would stir the pot. She isn't my favorite and perhaps if she is sick of her role then she needs to move on and they need to get someone else with a tougher skin to stir it up.
    report abuseposted October 1, 2008, 12:50 pm PDT
  • pretty e
    She is a whinner..SHE NEEDS TO LEAVE
    report abuseposted October 1, 2008, 9:31 am PDT
  • Mandy
    I just wish Elizabeth would just move on !!! she just argues about everything ! I cant stand watching the View because of her . Elizabeth needs to get a life , not everyone is a republican!
    report abuseposted October 1, 2008, 9:30 am PDT
  • pretty e
    ALL THESE COMMENTS ARE STUPID SHE SUCKS.
    report abuseposted October 1, 2008, 9:29 am PDT
  • Geoff M
    Whoopi, Joy are both liberal hippies. They see life through a filtered lens and there is nothing anyone can do. They will always be fanatics. get out of there elizabeth before they ruin your career
    report abuseposted October 1, 2008, 9:12 am PDT
  • ROCK'L
    Elisabeth Hasselbeck is a very intelligent woman. She stands up for her views -atta girl!She puts alot of thought into her answers, she doesn't blurt nonsense like the other witches, including Walters. She doesn't fit cuz she isn't a clone of the baracudas. She's in touch with reality, she is solid honest n wholesome - star qualities. The View, should be renamed Ou
    report abuseposted October 1, 2008, 8:30 am PDT
  • helpherpack702
    How Elisabeth Hasselbeck got this job is BEYOND me!!!She is so detached from reality & uneducated to the real issues of society and politics. I won't cry a river if she leaves. Too bad she has not experienced a real " SURVIVOR" show; the American people starring cast, this location is here in America. Too bad no tribal counsel. Bush and Hasselbeck would get my vot
    report abuseposted September 30, 2008, 11:08 pm PDT
  • victor h
    ...somone here reported my comments as what? inappropriate?....and had them erased? You can't discuss issues like a human being?...whoever you are?....is this what the world is coming to... Snitches rule? You don't like what's being said, so it shouldn't exist? This all sounds very familiar...and it borders on censorship if you as me...TTFN people and much love to y
    report abuseposted September 30, 2008, 10:31 pm PDT
comments 1-10 of 164  | newest | < newer | older > | oldest

post your comment

hi there!

Want to post a comment? Just sign in and you'll be good to go.

sign in

Help us continue to improve your mom! - Send Your Suggestions