In a recent appearance on Fox News’ Gutfeld!, Lisa “Kennedy” Montgomery, known mononymously as Kennedy, unleashed a scathing remark about The View co-host Joy Behar, calling her a “talking hemorrhoid in an auburn wig.” The comment, made on March 11, 2025, quickly went viral, sparking laughter, debates, and discussions across social media and news outlets. Kennedy’s biting critique stemmed from her experience auditioning for The View in 2003, where she claims Behar was “ungracious and awful” and relied on a comedy writer for her lines. This article explores the context of Kennedy’s remarks, the history of her interactions with The View, the public’s reaction, and the broader implications of such personal attacks in media.

The Audition That Sparked the Feud

Kennedy, a former MTV VJ and current Fox News contributor, recounted her 2003 audition for The View, a daytime talk show known for its diverse panel of women discussing politics, culture, and current events. According to Kennedy, she advanced significantly in the selection process and had positive interactions with some of the show’s hosts, including Barbara Walters and Star Jones. However, her encounter with Joy Behar, the show’s longest-tenured panelist, was far less pleasant.

Kennedy described Behar as lacking authenticity and humor, alleging that Behar snapped at her attempts to crack jokes during the audition. “Joy was a talking hemorrhoid in an auburn wig,” Kennedy told the Gutfeld! audience, adding that Behar relied on a comedy writer to feed her lines during breaks. “She’s not even funny,” Kennedy quipped, suggesting that Behar’s comedic reputation was unearned. The role Kennedy auditioned for ultimately went to Elisabeth Hasselbeck, a decision that Kennedy now views as a dodged bullet, given The View’s transformation into what she and others describe as a “left-wing echo chamber.”

The Context of Kennedy’s Critique

Kennedy’s remarks come at a time when The View has been criticized by conservative commentators for its perceived liberal bias. The show, which once aimed to balance perspectives with conservative voices like Hasselbeck and Meghan McCain, has increasingly leaned left, particularly in its coverage of former President Donald Trump and Republican politics. Kennedy’s comment about Behar aligns with a broader narrative among conservative media figures who portray The View as a platform for “unhinged monologues” and “progressive talking points.”

Behar, an 82-year-old comedian and outspoken liberal, has long been a polarizing figure. Her sharp wit and unapologetic commentary have earned her both fans and detractors. Over the years, she has inspired a range of unflattering nicknames, including “insufferable harridan,” “shrieking shrew,” and “miserable, lying harpy,” according to conservative outlets like Twitchy. Kennedy’s “talking hemorrhoid” jab, however, stands out for its vivid imagery and personal sting, drawing attention for its creativity as much as its venom.

Public Reaction: Laughter and Polarization

The public’s response to Kennedy’s comment was swift and divided, with social media amplifying the controversy. On X, users praised Kennedy’s “burn” as both hilarious and accurate. One user, @EricAbbenante, wrote, “Joy doesn’t need writers, she’s unlikeable,” echoing Kennedy’s sentiment that Behar’s personality overshadows any scripted humor. Another user, @NanLee1124, posted, “Kennedy NAILS Joy Behar… LMAO!” alongside laughing emojis, reflecting the glee among Behar’s critics.

Conservative commentators and viewers lauded Kennedy for her candor, with some expressing regret that The View passed on her in favor of Behar. “So ‘The View’ could have had Kennedy, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Candace Cameron Bure, & Rachel Campos-Duffy……& they kept ‘Joy’???????” one X user lamented, highlighting the missed opportunity for a more conservative-friendly panel.

Conversely, Behar’s supporters viewed Kennedy’s remarks as a cheap shot from a conservative media figure targeting a “strong, liberal woman.” Some argued that the insult was less about Behar’s personality and more about ideological differences, with Kennedy leveraging her Fox News platform to score points against a liberal icon. “For Behar’s fans, Kennedy’s comments are simply another example of a conservative media figure taking aim at a strong, liberal woman,” noted one outlet, pointing to the gendered dynamics often at play in such feuds.

The Broader Implications

Kennedy’s verbal attack raises questions about the state of discourse in media, particularly in the polarized landscape of 2025. Daytime talk shows like The View and late-night programs like Gutfeld! thrive on controversy, with hosts and guests often resorting to personal insults to generate buzz. While Kennedy’s line was undeniably funny to some, it also perpetuates a cycle of animosity that deepens divides between political camps.

Moreover, the feud underscores the challenges faced by women in media, who are often judged more harshly for their demeanor and likability. Behar’s unapologetic style has made her a lightning rod for criticism, but Kennedy’s decision to focus on Behar’s appearance (the “auburn wig”) and perceived lack of humor invites scrutiny of her own approach. As one outlet noted, “The public reaction to Kennedy’s remarks has also sparked broader discussions about the dynamics of daytime talk shows and the way in which women in television are often portrayed.”

The incident also highlights the enduring power of social media in shaping narratives. Posts on X, such as @ThomasSowell’s quote of Kennedy’s full remark, garnered thousands of interactions, ensuring that the “talking hemorrhoid” line reached a wide audience. The viral nature of the comment demonstrates how a single soundbite can dominate headlines and fuel ongoing debates about media bias, authenticity, and civility.

Kennedy and Behar: A Study in Contrasts

Kennedy and Behar represent two distinct archetypes in the media landscape. Kennedy, a libertarian-leaning commentator with a background in music television, prides herself on her quick wit and irreverence. Her appearances on Gutfeld! and her Fox News show, The Kennedy Show, often blend humor with political analysis, appealing to viewers who value her outsider perspective. Behar, by contrast, is a veteran comedian and liberal stalwart whose tenure on The View has made her a household name. Her humor, often biting and partisan, resonates with audiences who share her worldview but alienates those who don’t.

The clash between the two women reflects not only personal animosity but also a broader cultural divide. Kennedy’s critique of Behar as “ungracious” and “awful” suggests a deeper disdain for what she sees as inauthenticity in media. Behar, meanwhile, has made no public response to Kennedy’s remarks as of July 5, 2025, consistent with her tendency to shrug off criticism from conservative detractors.

The Future of The View and Media Feuds

Kennedy’s comments come at a time when The View is reportedly attempting to appeal to a broader audience, including Trump supporters, by inviting Trump officials to participate in discussions in 2025. However, the show’s core format and panel, including Behar, remain unchanged, suggesting that its liberal tilt will persist. Whether Kennedy’s grudge against Behar will fade or continue to fuel her commentary remains to be seen.

For now, the “talking hemorrhoid” line has cemented its place in the lexicon of memorable media insults, joining the ranks of other colorful descriptions of Behar. As one outlet quipped, “Now, we just have to wait until Trey Parker and Matt Stone inevitably turn Behar into an ACTUAL talking hemorrhoid in an auburn wig on South Park.” The prospect of such a parody underscores the cultural impact of Kennedy’s remark and the enduring fascination with The View’s controversies.

Conclusion

Lisa “Kennedy” Montgomery’s brutal takedown of Joy Behar as a “talking hemorrhoid in an auburn wig” is more than just a memorable one-liner; it’s a window into the tensions that define modern media. From the personal to the political, the feud between Kennedy and Behar encapsulates the challenges of navigating authenticity, humor, and ideology in a polarized world. While Kennedy’s remark has elicited laughter and applause from some, it has also sparked criticism and reflection on the state of discourse. As The View continues to provoke and polarize, and as figures like Kennedy and Behar remain lightning rods, such clashes are likely to remain a fixture of the media landscape.