The View: Joy Behar’s Fury Erupts After Whoopi Goldberg’s On-Set Humiliation!

In the glittering yet cutthroat world of daytime television, where friendships are forged in the fires of live broadcasts and heated debates, a seemingly innocuous moment can ignite a storm of emotions. On July 9, 2025, during a lively episode of ABC’s long-running talk show The View, co-host Whoopi Goldberg turned a casual discussion about artificial intelligence into a flashpoint of tension by calling out her longtime friend and colleague Joy Behar for having her phone on the table. What started as a light-hearted quip escalated in Behar’s mind into a profound betrayal, leaving the 82-year-old comedian reeling from initial rage to deep-seated disappointment. This incident, captured live and dissected across social media, has peeled back layers of the complex dynamic between two icons of the show, revealing the raw vulnerabilities beneath their on-screen camaraderie.

The episode began innocently enough. The panel, including Goldberg, Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, and Alyssa Farah Griffin, was delving into the perils of intrusive AI technology. Goldberg, ever the vigilant moderator, was emphasizing how devices like smartphones are constantly “listening” to our conversations, potentially feeding data to unseen algorithms. It was at this precise moment that Behar, perhaps absentmindedly, placed her phone on the desk. Without missing a beat, Goldberg zeroed in: “Why is your phone here?” The audience erupted in laughter, and Behar quipped back, “It’s part of my body!” But behind the forced smile and playful retort, sources close to Behar reveal that a wave of indignation washed over her. “Joy felt blindsided,” an insider told us exclusively. “She’s been on the show for decades, and to be called out like a naughty schoolchild in front of millions? It stung deeply.”

Behar’s initial reaction was one of pure phanger – a blend of shock and fury that simmered just below the surface during the remainder of the broadcast. Known for her sharp wit and unfiltered opinions, Behar is no stranger to on-air clashes, having sparred with co-hosts like Meghan McCain in the past. But this felt different; it came from Whoopi, her supposed ally and confidante. The two have shared the The View table since 2007, weathering controversies, political upheavals, and personal milestones together. Goldberg, 69, has often positioned herself as the show’s anchor, a role that sometimes requires her to rein in the chaos. Yet, for Behar, this rebuke crossed an invisible line. “She was furious because it wasn’t just about the phone,” the source continued. “It was about being publicly humiliated by someone she trusts. Joy prides herself on her professionalism, and this made her look careless.”

As the show progressed, Behar’s anger began to morph into something more poignant: disappointment. Post-broadcast, in the green room, Behar reportedly confronted the situation internally, replaying the moment in her head. “She expected Whoopi to laugh it off or handle it privately,” another production insider shared. “Instead, it became fodder for viral clips and memes.” Indeed, social media exploded with reactions, from fans chuckling at the “faux pas” to critics labeling it a sign of underlying tensions on the set. X (formerly Twitter) users posted clips with captions like “Whoopi schools Joy on phone etiquette!” amplifying the embarrassment.This public dissection only deepened Behar’s sense of letdown. At her age, with a career spanning stand-up comedy, authorship, and television stardom, Behar has cultivated an image of resilience. But friends say this incident tapped into her fears of being seen as outdated or irrelevant in an increasingly digital-savvy world.

To understand Behar’s emotional journey, one must delve into the history of her relationship with Goldberg. The duo’s bond dates back to the early days of The View, created by Barbara Walters in 1997. Behar joined as an original co-host, while Goldberg came aboard a decade later, replacing Rosie O’Donnell. Over the years, they’ve supported each other through triumphs and trials – from Goldberg’s Oscar-winning career to Behar’s battles with health issues and political backlash. Behar has often praised Goldberg as a “sister,” crediting her for providing balance amid the show’s fiery debates. In a 2023 interview, Behar gushed, “Whoopi’s the glue that holds us together.” Yet, cracks have appeared before. In 2024, Behar’s phone interrupted the show multiple times, prompting Goldberg to lower her head in frustration – a precursor to this latest dust-up.These recurring incidents suggest a pattern, where Goldberg’s no-nonsense style clashes with Behar’s more carefree approach.

Behar’s phanger wasn’t just personal; it reflected broader frustrations within the entertainment industry. At 82, she represents a generation grappling with technology’s rapid evolution. The discussion on AI that day highlighted fears of privacy invasion, a topic Behar has voiced concerns about in the past. Ironically, her phone’s presence underscored the very point Goldberg was making. But for Behar, the rebuke felt like an attack on her autonomy. “She was raging inside because it implied she wasn’t taking the conversation seriously,” a close friend revealed. “Joy’s always been the one to push boundaries with her humor, but this made her feel diminished.”

As the day wore on, Behar’s fury gave way to disappointment, a quieter but more enduring emotion. Sources say she spent the evening reflecting on their friendship, questioning if the years of loyalty had been one-sided. “Disappointment hit harder than anger,” the friend added. “Joy values authenticity, and this felt performative – like Whoopi was playing to the audience rather than protecting her friend.” Behar, who has authored books like The Great Gasbag and hosted her own late-night show, is no stranger to criticism. She’s weathered scandals, from her 2015 nurse comments to blackface controversies, always bouncing back with defiance. But betrayals from within hurt more. In private, Behar reportedly confided in husband Steve Janowitz, expressing how the incident made her doubt the show’s family-like atmosphere.

The fallout extended beyond the two women. Co-hosts like Hostin and Haines tried to diffuse the tension on-air with laughter, but off-camera, the mood was somber. Production staff noted a chill in the air during subsequent tapings, with Behar appearing more subdued. Fans, too, sensed the shift, flooding social media with support for Behar. One X post read, “Joy looked hurt – Whoopi crossed a line!”Meanwhile, critics accused Goldberg of being overly controlling, reigniting debates about power dynamics on The View.

In the days following, Behar’s emotions evolved further. Publicly, she downplayed the incident, joking about it on a podcast appearance: “Whoopi’s right – my phone is a third arm!” But privately, the disappointment lingered, prompting soul-searching about her future on the show. At 82, Behar has hinted at retirement, and this could be the catalyst. “She’s disappointed in how quickly a friendship can fray under the spotlight,” the insider said. Goldberg, for her part, has remained silent, but sources indicate she’s reached out privately to smooth things over.

This episode serves as a microcosm of the pressures facing veteran entertainers in 2025. With AI dominating headlines and social media amplifying every misstep, even minor faux pas can snowball into emotional crises. For Behar, the phone incident was more than a scolding; it was a reminder of vulnerability in a world that demands perfection. From the initial surge of phanger – that visceral, hot-blooded reaction – to the colder sting of disappointment, Behar’s journey underscores the human cost of fame. As The View continues its 28th season, one wonders if this rift will heal or widen, testing the resilience of two women who’ve defined daytime TV.

In the end, Behar’s story is one of resilience amid heartbreak. “She’s angry, yes, but more than that, she’s let down,” her friend concluded. “Joy expected better from Whoopi, and that’s what hurts the most.” As viewers tune in for more Hot Topics, they’ll be watching not just for the debates, but for signs of mended fences – or further fractures – in this enduring duo’s bond.