Whoopi Goldberg Faces Backlash and Calls for Apology Controversial Claim

Whoopi Goldberg faces backlash after accusing a Staten Island bakery of refusing her order due to political reasons, prompting calls for an apology from NYC officials.

At a Glance

Whoopi Goldberg claimed a Staten Island bakery refused her order for political reasons.
The bakery, Holtermann’s, stated the refusal was due to a malfunctioning boiler.
Staten Island officials, including Borough President Vito Fossella, demand an apology from Goldberg.
The bakery has received a surge of support and orders following Goldberg’s remarks.
The incident highlights the challenges businesses face in maintaining neutrality amid political tensions.

Goldberg’s Claim Sparks Controversy

Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of “The View,” ignited a firestorm when she claimed that a Staten Island bakery refused to fulfill her order due to her political beliefs. The incident, which occurred during Goldberg’s 69th birthday celebration on the show, quickly escalated into a heated controversy, pitting the liberal talk show host against a long-standing family business.

The bakery in question, Holtermann’s, a 145-year-old family-run establishment, found itself at the center of a national debate. Jill Holtermann, the bakery’s owner, vehemently denied Goldberg’s allegations, stating that the refusal was due to mechanical issues with their boiler, not politics.

Officials Demand Apology

In response to Goldberg’s claims, Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella and other local officials have called for a public apology. Fossella accused Goldberg of defamation, emphasizing the damage done to the bakery’s reputation.

“Recently someone took to the national airwaves and defamed, frankly, this family business,” Fossella stated. “Frankly, the people who defamed the Holtermann family should apologize … for making stuff up to suit their needs. Not everybody wakes up every day and thinks about politics.”

Staten Island Councilman David Carr joined in criticizing Goldberg’s assumptions and condemned “The View” for allowing unfounded political accusations to be aired. The officials argue that Goldberg’s comments have unjustly politicized a simple business interaction, potentially harming the bakery’s standing in the community.

Bakery’s Response and Community Support

Jill Holtermann, the bakery owner, has maintained that the refusal was solely due to equipment malfunction. She explained that a malfunctioning boiler prevented them from fulfilling large orders at the time of Goldberg’s request.

In a surprising turn of events, the controversy has led to a surge in support for Holtermann’s Bakery. The establishment has been flooded with orders from across the country, including donations of baked goods to schools and first responders. This outpouring of support demonstrates the impact of national attention on local businesses and the community’s readiness to rally behind their own.

Broader Implications

This incident underscores the challenges businesses face in maintaining neutrality amid politically charged interpretations. It highlights how easily everyday interactions can be misconstrued in today’s polarized climate, potentially leading to unwarranted accusations and reputational damage.

As the controversy continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the importance of fact-checking and the potential consequences of making public allegations without full information. The situation also demonstrates the power of community support in the face of national controversy, as Staten Island residents and supporters from across the country have rallied behind Holtermann’s Bakery.