Whoopi Goldberg Threatens to Bolt From ‘The View’
Whoopi Goldberg may be ready to disappear from “The View.”
The outspoken Oscar winner has informed friends she’s fed up with ABC’s morning chatfest and wants to bail from the panel, where she has held forth on topics weighty and trivial since 2007.
“Whoopi has told those close to her she will exit the show,” said one daytime TV veteran, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Also Read: 'The View' Host Whoopi Goldberg Whips Out Her Woman Card
Whether she really means it or could be persuaded to stay remains to be seen. Goldberg, 60, is in talks with ABC about extending her contract, which is up at the end of this season. Making noise about leaving is a time-honored tactic used to increase bargaining leverage.
The network bosses seem open to an agreement. “We want her back and are trying to make that happen,” said a source close to the show.
But change of one sort or another is likely coming to “The View” soon. Raven-Symone, who joined the panel last year, probably won’t be returning, one insider said.
The remaining panel members are Joy Behar (the sole original cohost), Michelle Collins, Candace Cameron Bure and Paula Faris.
Also Read: 'The View': Raven-Symone Gets Weirdly Aroused Over Donny Osmond
The hosts’ reps aren’t talking. Goldberg’s publicist did not return a call and email, and one of her agents at CAA likewise remained mum. A Raven-Symone rep did not respond to an email.
ABC’s morning lineup is facing major changes this year. Last month, the network announced it would move Michael Strahan, cohost of “Live with Kelly and Michael,” to “Good Morning America.” Executives are trying to help “GMA” recapture an advantage in its nonstop ratings battle with NBC’s “Today.”
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