In a shocking live TV moment that had viewers raising their eyebrows, The View co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar found themselves at the center of a blunder that quickly became the talk of the media.
During a segment on April 23, 2025, the veteran hosts of the daytime talk show made a critical mistake regarding the definition of the term “hoaxers” while discussing political issues. This slip-up led to a rare on-air correction from co-host Sunny Hostin, who stepped in to clarify their misunderstanding and restore order in a way that left viewers in awe.
The Blunder That Shocked Viewers
The moment began when Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar were discussing a political issue regarding Pete Hegseth, a conservative commentator. The conversation shifted to the topic of “hoaxers” in the context of misinformation, and both Whoopi and Joy seemed to struggle with the meaning of the term.
In an awkward moment, Behar suggested that “hoaxers” might be akin to “hokey” people or “hoers,” while Whoopi, equally confused, asked, “What is a hoaxster?”
This confusion quickly escalated, leading to a cringe-worthy exchange that had the live studio audience and viewers at home cringing in disbelief. However, it was Sunny Hostin who saved the day by stepping in to clarify the situation.
Sunny Hostin’s Moment of Clarity
In a calm and composed manner, Sunny Hostin corrected her co-hosts, explaining that “hoaxers” refers to individuals who create false stories or spread deceptive information. “What you’re describing is not quite what a hoaxer is,” Hostin said, offering the correct definition to the confused duo. Her explanation not only clarified the term but also shut down the confusion, providing much-needed clarity in a situation that could have quickly spiraled out of control.
Hostin’s quick thinking and knowledgeable response highlighted the crucial role she plays as the voice of reason on the show. Her ability to defuse the situation with grace and poise left many viewers praising her for her professionalism.
The Backlash and Social Media Reaction
The incident quickly went viral, with social media platforms lighting up with reactions from viewers. Some fans took to Twitter to express their amusement, poking fun at the mistake and joking about the lack of basic knowledge on The View’s part. “If they can’t get this right, what else are they missing?” one Twitter user posted.
However, many viewers defended Whoopi and Joy, acknowledging that mistakes can happen on live TV. “Who hasn’t had a slip-up on air? Give them a break,” one fan tweeted. Others praised Hostin for her calm and composed handling of the situation. “Sunny stepped in like a true professional. Loved how she fixed it so effortlessly,” another fan wrote.
Despite the humor surrounding the mistake, the incident also sparked a larger conversation about media responsibility, especially in high-profile political discussions. Viewers noted that such errors—while seemingly minor—can have a significant impact on public understanding, particularly when discussing complex political topics.
The Underlying Issue: The Role of Language in Political Discourse
This incident highlights the broader issue of how language is used in political discourse and how the media shapes the conversation. While the misunderstanding of a single term might seem trivial, it reflects the importance of clarity in discussions surrounding misinformation, fake news, and the manipulation of public opinion.
The media has a responsibility to ensure that the language used is accurate and not misleading, particularly when discussing issues as critical as political misinformation.
In the case of The View, the blunder underlines the necessity for hosts—especially those with large followings—to be well-prepared and well-informed when discussing political topics. As a platform that caters to millions of viewers, The View carries significant influence, and ensuring that the information presented is both factual and clear is crucial for fostering informed debate.
The Future of The View and Its Hosts
While the mistake caused a temporary disruption, it also shed light on the dynamic between the hosts of The View and the importance of maintaining a balance between differing political views. The show is known for its heated debates and strong personalities, but it is also vital that those debates remain grounded in factual accuracy.
The incident raises questions about the future direction of The View—will the hosts be more careful with their language moving forward? Will they continue to foster an environment of candid discussion, or will they make an effort to ensure their points are better supported by facts?
In the wake of this moment, the show’s producers and the hosts themselves will likely face increased scrutiny. How they respond to this public gaffe will determine the show’s credibility and continued relevance in a highly polarized media landscape.
