Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of “The View” on ABC, refrained from crying as she introduced a “new man behind the camera.”
Goldberg began the segment by pointing out that both the network and the show have lately undergone a number of changes, including those affecting the cast of “The View.”
Goldberg introduced the newest member of the show’s family before diving into the subjects the table would be discussing.
“We got a new man behind the camera. Hey Paul,” Whoopi said while also mentioning the writer’s strike that has affected numerous other shows in Hollywood. “Hi Paul,” other hosts at the table responded.
The announcement that producer Rob Bruce Baron was leaving was made by Whoopi near the close of the program as she welcomed viewers back and held out a notecard to a producer.
For the past 26 seasons, Baron, a veteran of the broadcast industry with more than 40 years of experience, has worked for “The View.”
“Is this this? Ohh, yeah,” she said, looking down at the notecard and holding back tears.
“Rob is retiring today after 40 years in television. Rob has been with The View since Day 1, 26 seasons.”
“Don’t leave!” Whoopi called out to Rob as she continued to hold back tears.
SEE IT HERE:
After 40 years in television and at #TheView since our first episode, we're wishing our lead stage manager Rob Bruce Baron a happy retirement!
As #WhoopiGoldberg said, "we love you!" https://t.co/cVclFZQU98 pic.twitter.com/qK3H6DyJMF
— The View (@TheView) May 25, 2023
The program made waves earlier this week when Goldberg said “American Idol” was a part of the “beginning of the downfall of society,” which sparked an argument with executive producer Brian Teta and some criticism from her own coworkers.
When Goldberg opened a section about Iam Tongi, an 18-year-old singer from Hawaii who won Season 21 of the competition show, the debate started.
“We, as a society, love to watch stuff to judge folks,” Goldberg said. “You know, I’ve always thought that the beginning of the downfall of society was with ― what’s the name of that show? I always tell you that,” she continued, looking over to Teta.
“ABC’s ‘American Idol,’” replied Teta before the audience let out a laugh. ABC notably is also the network that airs “The View.”
“Because once we gave people the ability to judge other people, I think we ran amuck with it and it’s gone out of control,” said Goldberg.
“Remember ‘The Gong Show?’” asked co-host Joy Behar, referencing the 1970s show that allowed judges to hit a gong to signal their distaste for a performance.
According to Goldberg, she can’t recall a situation in which “so many people” evaluated a person’s talent. Goldberg likes the show now that it is on ABC, Teta and co-host Sunny Hostin added.
When compared to when it debuted, Goldberg claimed the show was “a very different show” now.
“ABC knows that I feel like this. I’ve told them,” Goldberg said. “It had nothing to do with them, it had to do with the show. See, you starting stuff, man.”
WATCH:
Last Friday, co-host Sara Haines’ remark on “The View” made news because her audio was supposedly removed since it was so obscene.
The episode started as the female diners were debating the recent news that ABC would be expanding the Bachelor universe to include the “golden years.”
In The Golden Bachelor, an elderly man or woman will get the opportunity to date ladies who have a “lifetime of experience,” according to the description of the program.
The episode began with Goldberg declaring, “I’m calling it the ‘Old People’s Bachelor,'” which caused many of the hosts to make a number of offensive remarks about an elderly person having the chance to date women with “experience.”
When Sunny Hostin and Joy Behar made a joke about the seniors using “the Fantasy Suite,” things went into overdrive. Haines then said something that seemed so improper that producers removed her voice before it was broadcast live.
“You guys, these are only 60-year-olds!” she said. “Do you know how young 60 is? I know 60-year-olds, they run marathons. They do –” Haines said before her mic was cut.
Goldberg was seen by the camera with a shocked look on her face.
