ABC chose not to terminate Whoopi Goldberg, nor did they cancel her show. Instead, they declined to renew her contract, which will result in her losing her lead role on a popular show and an estimated $36 million annually in salary and endorsements.
Programming Director Joe Barron stated that it is time to move on from Goldberg as she consistently displays anger and the network receives numerous complaints about her being hateful, divisive, and un-American.
Goldberg’s manager, Art Tubolls, stated that the negotiations are still ongoing and he expects ABC to offer her a new contract through 2029. He believes she is the essence of the show and that Joy Behar doesn’t have the necessary star power to fill her shoes.
Barron countered that Joy Behar is not the only option and that the network can bring in two new hosts for half the cost of Goldberg’s previous salary. He even joked about potentially hiring Alyssa Milano and Kathy Griffin.
This move away from liberalism is seen as a step towards restoring America to its glory days.