In the high-stakes world of daytime television, where egos clash and sharp tongues reign supreme, few moments have captured the public’s imagination quite like the shocking confrontation between Fox News personality Lisa Kennedy Montgomery, known simply as Kennedy, and The View’s veteran co-host Joy Behar. The incident, recounted during Kennedy’s appearance on Fox News’ Gutfeld!, has sent shockwaves through the media landscape, reigniting debates about professionalism, humor, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics of one of America’s most-watched talk shows. What began as a routine audition in 2003 for a coveted seat on The View escalated into a verbal sparring match that left the studio stunned and Behar visibly rattled. But what exactly happened to spark this unforgettable moment, and why does it continue to resonate with audiences today?

The story begins over two decades ago when Kennedy, a former MTV VJ turned political commentator, was invited to audition for The View following the departure of co-host Lisa Ling. At the time, The View was a cultural juggernaut, known for its lively debates and diverse panel of hosts. Kennedy, with her quick wit and unfiltered style, seemed like a natural fit for the conversational format that had made the show a household name. However, her encounter with Behar, a seasoned comedian and one of the show’s most prominent figures, quickly took a turn for the dramatic.

According to Kennedy, the tension arose during a commercial break when she attempted to showcase her comedic chops. The View prided itself on its conversational and often humorous tone, and Kennedy, confident in her ability to keep up, began tossing out quips that drew laughs from the audience. But Behar, who had built her career on sharp humor and political commentary, was not amused. During a break, she turned to Kennedy and delivered a stinging rebuke: “I’ll handle the comedy here.” The comment, dripping with condescension, caught Kennedy off guard but didn’t silence her. With the cameras off and the studio momentarily hushed, Kennedy fired back, “Great. Whenever you start, I’ll ease up on the jokes.” The retort landed like a thunderclap, leaving Behar speechless and the crew scrambling to regain control of the moment.

This exchange, while brief, was a masterclass in verbal sparring, revealing the underlying tensions that often simmer beneath the polished surface of daytime TV. Kennedy later recounted the incident with relish, describing Behar as “ungracious” and “awful” in her demeanor. She went further, delivering a now-infamous line that has since become a viral soundbite: Behar, she quipped, was like “a talking hemorrhoid in an auburn wig.” The brutal description, shared on Gutfeld! in March 2025, drew gasps and laughter from the audience, cementing the moment as one of the most memorable takedowns in recent television history.

But what fueled this explosive encounter? At its core, the clash seems to have been a collision of personalities and professional insecurities. Behar, a fixture on The View since its inception in 1997, has long been known for her outspoken views and comedic persona. Yet, Kennedy’s account suggests that Behar felt threatened by the newcomer’s natural charisma and ability to connect with the audience. The accusation that Behar relied on a comedy writer to craft her lines during breaks only added fuel to the fire, painting a picture of a host who struggled to keep up with the spontaneity that Kennedy brought to the table.

The fallout from this moment has sparked broader conversations about the culture of The View. Insiders have long whispered about the competitive dynamics among the show’s co-hosts, where egos can clash as fiercely as the political debates that dominate the airwaves. Kennedy’s story aligns with other accounts of Behar’s off-camera behavior, with former co-hosts like Meghan McCain and Lisa Ling hinting at tense interactions with the veteran host. McCain, in her 2022 memoir, described a particularly cutting moment when Behar admitted on-air that she didn’t miss McCain during her maternity leave, a comment that left McCain in tears. Similarly, Ling recounted a frosty exchange with Behar during a guest appearance in 2022, suggesting that Behar’s sharp tongue extends beyond the camera’s gaze.

For viewers, the Kennedy-Behar showdown is more than just a juicy piece of gossip—it’s a window into the high-pressure world of live television, where personalities must balance authenticity with professionalism. Kennedy’s decision to share the story on Gutfeld! was a calculated move, tapping into the growing public fascination with behind-the-scenes drama. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect: The View has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years for its polarizing discussions and declining ratings, with some critics arguing that the show has lost the charm that once made it a cultural touchstone. Kennedy’s biting critique, delivered with her signature blend of humor and candor, struck a chord with audiences who have grown weary of the show’s increasingly combative tone.

The incident also raises questions about the role of humor in daytime television. Behar, a trained comedian, has built her brand on delivering sharp one-liners and provocative commentary. Yet, Kennedy’s account suggests that her humor may rely more on scripted lines than spontaneous wit, a revelation that undermines her carefully crafted persona. In contrast, Kennedy’s ability to fire back with a cutting retort showcased the kind of quick thinking that The View once celebrated. The fact that Kennedy didn’t secure the hosting gig—she was passed over in favor of Elisabeth Hasselbeck—only adds to the intrigue, leaving fans to wonder what might have been had the show embraced her irreverent style.

As the dust settles on this explosive moment, one thing is clear: the Kennedy-Behar feud has become a defining chapter in the ongoing saga of The View. It’s a reminder that even in the polished world of daytime TV, raw human emotions—jealousy, insecurity, and ambition—can erupt in ways that captivate audiences. For Behar, the incident may serve as a wake-up call to reassess her approach, both on and off the air. For Kennedy, it’s a triumphant moment that solidifies her reputation as a fearless commentator unafraid to speak her mind. And for viewers, it’s a deliciously dramatic spectacle that proves the old adage: sometimes, the real show happens when the cameras stop rolling.