Whoopi Goldberg on-air blunder: The View host slams ABC show
Whoopi Goldberg's strong criticism of American Idol sparks backtracking on The View.
During Thursday's episode of The View, 67-year-old actress Whoopi Goldberg made a bold statement, describing American Idol as the "downfall of society."
However, in an awkward blunder, Goldberg was quickly reminded by a producer that the show airs on the same network as the popular singing competition.
The controversial moment unfolded while Goldberg was discussing the Netflix documentary Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me, expressing her opinion that the film overly focused on the late star's final moments.
She said: "You have Basketball Wives, you have the Housewives of whatever, all the Bravo shows, giving you the impression that you’re doing something wrong because you’re living your life."
"People watch these shows because they make them feel better."
"You know, I’ve always thought that the beginning of the downfall of society was with, um, what’s the name of that show I always tell you that?" - before turning to executive producer Brian Teta.
During the awkward exchange she was reminded that the show airs on the sam network, to which Goldberg responded, "ABC's American Idol?" In an embarrassed tone, Goldberg continued, "Well, it wasn't always on ABC...
Goldberg expressed her opinion by saying, "They invited the public to decide who their person was."
Her remark was met with an apparent off-camera gesture from the producer, prompting Goldberg to retort, "Did you really just do that?"
Iam Tongi, 18, emerged as the victorious winner of American Idol Season 21, defeating Colin Stough, 18, and Megan Danielle, 19, in a thrilling final.
The finale of the popular singing competition faced a slight ratings dip, with some fans labeling the show as "rigged."