The View is no stranger to addressing hot-button topics and subsequently heated debates. But during the Hot Topics segment, co-host Whoopi Goldberg appeared to get up – right in the middle of the discussion – and walk away from the whole thing.
The View is hosted by Goldberg along with Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Sunny Hostin – all of whom were involved in the debate – along with Ana Navarro, Sara Haines, and Joy Behar. Things have gotten tense before, but the most recent cause this time was Miranda Lambert and her selfie policy at concerts. Here’s where everyone stands – or not.
‘The View’ co-hosts draw lines in the sand
During a recent episode of The View, the team discussed some recent drama surrounding Lambert’s anti-selfie policy. The country artist reprimanded fans for taking selfies during her concert, a move that has generated support and dismissal across the pop culture landscape.
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Griffin initiated the debate by taking a middle ground, seeing the logic behind both sides of the argument. “I don’t like the culture of, like, you go to concerts to live through your phone and not be present and respect the performer,” adding, “But I also think it was a little bit over-the-top of a reaction. People paid money for those tickets, they want to be there, they’re trying to enjoy themselves.”
Hostin sided with the attendees but Goldberg strongly disagreed, countering, “No they don’t want to be there. If they paid money for the tickets, they came to see her. So if she’s singing, at least a little respect.”
Whoopi Goldberg walks away from ‘The View’ stage to prove a point for Miranda Lambert
Goldberg pressed on defending Lambert and denouncing the concertgoers, arguing, “She can see what you’re doing and she can see that you’re ignoring. It’s like being a lounge singer. You go into a bar, somebody’s at the piano, and nobody’s listening. That’s what it’s like for her. I’m just saying.”
Hostin noted the hefty price for VIP tickets, pushing $700 and higher, reasoning that such a high price warranted the choice to take a photo. Goldberg was having none of it, firing back, “You know what? Stay home. If you’re gonna spend $757 to come to my concert, then give me the respect of watching me while I’m doing my thing. Or don’t come!”
Hostin noted that a picture allows fans a chance to “relive” the probably once-in-a-lifetime experience. Upon hearing this, Goldberg rose from her seat and marched off from their stage toward the audience.
“Turn on the television, girl! I’m leaving y’all,” she said, approaching an elderly audience member. Turns out, Goldberg wanted to simulate a Lambert concert, in a manner of speaking. “Because I want to take a picture with this marvelous woman who is 91. So we’re gonna do a selfie.” Goldberg commandeered a producer’s phone and took a cute photo with the old woman in the audience, providing a very memorable conclusion to the segment.
Whose side do you agree with in the concert selfie debate?