In a recent episode of ABC News’ The View, co-host Whoopi Goldberg stirred controversy by equating the experiences of Black Americans to those of individuals living under oppressive regimes like that of Iran, where women face stringent dress codes and homosexuality is punishable by death. This statement was made during a heated discussion regarding U.S. foreign policy in light of current events unfolding in Iran.
It’s quite astonishing that this program continues to air, given the nature of the dialogue presented.
Here’s a rundown of the exchange, courtesy of NewsBusters:
FARAH GRIFFIN: It’s not even the same! I couldn’t step foot wearing this outfit in Iran right now.
GOLDBERG: Oh, no! That’s not what you mean to say. It is the same.
FARAH GRIFFIN: No, it’s not. The year 2025 in the United States is nothing like — if I stepped foot wearing this outfit in Tehran right now.
[Crosstalk, Haines trying to bring up Mahsa Amini]
FARAH GRIFFIN: I can’t have my hair showing. I can’t wear a skirt. I can’t have my arms out.
[Crosstalk]
HOSTIN: And it’s for us to judge?
FARAH GRIFFIN: I literally said it’s up to the Iranian people.
HAINES: Yes, it is up to them.
GOLDBERG: And that’s why I’m saying it is the same! Murdering someone for their difference is not good whoever does it! It’s not good!
[Applause]
So, that’s why I said you weren’t saying what you — what I heard was not what you meant.
FARAH GRIFFIN: Okay. I think it’s very different to live in the United States in 2025 than it is in Iran.
GOLDBERG: Not if you’re black!
HOSTIN: Not for everybody!
GOLDBERG: Not if you’re black!
FARAH GRIFFIN: Guys, don’t compare us to Tehran. No one at this table should go to Tehran.
For those interested, you can watch the full exchange in the video below:
NEW: Whoopi Goldberg says black people living in America have it just as bad as people living in Iran.
Alyssa Farah: “I think it’s very different to live in the United States in 2025 than it is to live in Iran.”
Goldberg: “Not if you’re black.” pic.twitter.com/RiXBN1MK14
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 18, 2025
This incident raises questions about the show’s merits and the broader implications of such comparisons. Why does ABC allow this kind of discourse to persist? And whom does it ultimately serve?
