A recent episode of The View erupted in tension when co-host Sunny Hostin sharply criticized Whoopi Goldberg for comments made in defense of pop icon Janet Jackson. The debate began during a conversation about identity politics and the role of public figures in shaping discourse around race.

The issue sparked when Whoopi, in a previous segment, had defended Janet Jackson amid a controversy where some claimed Kamala Harris, the U.S. Vice President, isn’t “Black enough.” Whoopi’s stance was rooted in her belief that people of mixed heritage should not be subjected to these types of divisive arguments, likening Kamala’s situation to Janet Jackson, another figure often questioned over her racial identity.

Sunny, known for her strong opinions on race and justice, took issue with Whoopi’s comments. During the heated discussion, Sunny expressed frustration, stating that Whoopi’s defense of Janet Jackson was misplaced in the context of Kamala Harris. Sunny argued that the discussion wasn’t about whether someone was “Black enough” but about Kamala’s lived experience as a woman of Black and South Asian heritage in America. She emphasized that diminishing Kamala’s identity did a disservice to her contributions as a Black woman in politics.

Whoopi, remaining calm, reiterated her point about not reducing people to labels or pitting individuals against one another based on their heritage. However, the tension between the two co-hosts was palpable, as Sunny accused Whoopi of oversimplifying a complex issue and failing to acknowledge the nuances of being Black in America, especially for someone in a high-profile political role like Kamala Harris.

The exchange left viewers divided, with some siding with Sunny’s passionate defense of Kamala Harris, while others appreciated Whoopi’s broader perspective on identity. The moment highlighted the complexities of race discussions on live television, particularly when strong personalities like Whoopi Goldberg and Sunny Hostin are at odds.