In a baffling segment of The View, Whoopi Goldberg deflected criticism of Iran’s execution of gay citizens by bringing up historical abuses in the U.S.—and what happened next left even liberal viewers stunned.

Is this the most jaw-dropping thing Whoopi Goldberg has ever said on national television?

That’s the question now lighting up the internet after a The View segment exploded into a chaotic, uncomfortable, and at times incoherent discussion about LGBTQ rights, Iran, systemic racism, and American exceptionalism. But the viral lightning rod was one comment in particular—Whoopi’s apparent defense of Iran’s anti-gay atrocities by drawing a false equivalence to past U.S. hate crimes.

“Let’s not do that,” Whoopi interrupted, as another panelist pointed out Iran’s record of throwing gay people off buildings. “We’ve been known in this country to tie gay folks to the back of a car.”

Yes, she said that—on live television, and without a hint of irony.

False Equivalence or Moral Confusion?

The original point, raised by a guest host, was clear: Iran’s government still executes LGBTQ citizens by throwing them off rooftops. This isn’t metaphorical—it’s documented policy. But instead of condemning that outright, Whoopi pivoted to what she framed as America’s equally damning history.

Critics immediately pounced, pointing out the difference between state-sponsored execution in Iran today and isolated hate crimes in America decades ago. One panelist tried to clarify: “That happened once. That’s not the same as being known to do it.”

But Whoopi doubled down, seemingly unable—or unwilling—to acknowledge the profound difference between the Islamic Republic’s official laws and past American hate crimes that are now prosecuted, not protected.

The backlash was swift and brutal online.

“What exactly is she defending here?”
“You can criticize the U.S. and still say Iran’s regime is evil.”
“She just lost the plot completely.”

A Pattern of Deflection?

This isn’t the first time Goldberg has sparked controversy for her historical hot takes. She famously earned a suspension from The View in 2022 after suggesting the Holocaust “wasn’t about race.” The comment drew condemnation from Jewish organizations around the world—and now, critics say she’s doing it again, this time minimizing one of the world’s most brutal anti-LGBTQ regimes.

The broader segment spiraled from there, with co-host Sunny Hostin chiming in about race in America, repeating the often-used—but widely contested—line that life in the U.S. is “just as dangerous” for Black Americans as for oppressed minorities under totalitarian regimes.

One panelist tried to push back, asking Goldberg pointedly:

“If you had a gay son, would you rather raise him in Iran—or the United States?”

No answer.

A Failure of Logic and Leadership

Perhaps the most frustrating part for viewers wasn’t just the content—it was the tone. As co-hosts talked over each other and Goldberg spoke in vague platitudes like “murdering someone because they’re different is not good,” the conversation devolved into a blur of emotionalism, strawman arguments, and what critics are now calling selective outrage.

“The View has become the Olympics of false moral equivalence,” one viewer posted on X.
“It’s exhausting watching people with platforms twist themselves into knots to not say something negative about Iran because it might reflect positively on America.”

Even liberal commentators found the logic baffling. “There are valid critiques of America’s past,” one journalist wrote, “but dragging them out to soften modern atrocities by authoritarian regimes is pure whataboutism.”

The Caitlyn Clark Parallel?

Interestingly, the backlash to Whoopi’s comments echoed another ongoing media firestorm: the treatment of Caitlin Clark in the WNBA. Much like Goldberg’s refusal to outright condemn Iran’s cruelty, some media figures have twisted themselves into rhetorical pretzels to justify or minimize the physical targeting Clark has received—often blaming her for “provoking” it.

It’s a pattern: powerful women in media defending systems or behavior that don’t deserve defense—all to maintain a particular narrative or cultural positioning.

And it’s starting to wear thin.

Final Takeaway

Whoopi Goldberg’s legacy as a performer and activist is undeniable. But her recent comments reflect a growing disconnect between moral clarity and performative outrage. Comparing America’s historical sins to Iran’s current human rights abuses doesn’t elevate the discourse—it confuses it.

In a world where real atrocities still happen—and where truth still matters—deflection isn’t just intellectually dishonest. It’s dangerous.

And if The View wants to remain relevant, it may need fewer applause lines—and more courage to tell the truth plainly.