In a recent episode of “The View,” co-host Joy Behar sparked significant controversy with comments widely criticized as sexist toward Caroline Leavitt, the 27-year-old press secretary for former President Donald Trump.

The episode quickly went viral, triggering bipartisan outrage, intense online debate, and behind-the-scenes drama at ABC.

The incident began when Behar implied that Leavitt, appointed as Trump’s press secretary during his second presidential term, was selected for her appearance rather than her qualifications.

Behar’s comment—“I think she’s probably been put in there because according to Donald Trump, she’s a 10”—immediately ignited backlash from viewers, commentators, and political figures across the spectrum.

Critics pointed out the glaring double standard in Behar’s remarks, highlighting the irony of a television host known for championing women’s rights and empowerment reducing a professional woman to her physical appearance.

Social media users swiftly condemned Behar’s statement, emphasizing that such comments contradicted everything “The View” claims to advocate regarding feminism and equality.

In a heated segment following the controversy, Caroline Leavitt didn’t just address Behar’s comments—she fiercely counterattacked, calling out what she described as hypocrisy and sexism embedded in mainstream media.

Leavitt’s poised yet assertive response garnered widespread praise, even from individuals who typically oppose Trump’s politics.

“I’m tired of hearing about how supportive ‘The View’ is of women until a conservative woman dares to step forward,” Leavitt said. “Suddenly, qualifications and achievements mean nothing, and all that matters is tearing her down.”

The confrontation escalated further when Whoopi Goldberg intervened in the debate, attempting to shift the conversation away from Leavitt’s criticism.

Goldberg defended “wokeness,” asserting it was crucial for societal progress and accusing Leavitt of misunderstanding history and social advancement.

“Without that wokeness, you might not have that job,” Goldberg remarked passionately, underscoring past struggles for women’s and minorities’ rights.

While Goldberg aimed to underscore the importance of inclusivity, many viewers perceived her comments as dismissive and condescending, reinforcing critiques of the program’s alleged elitism.

The episode quickly gained traction beyond social media, receiving substantial coverage from mainstream news outlets. The controversy reportedly caused turmoil behind the scenes at ABC, where executives expressed frustration over repeated incidents involving Behar.

Sources within the network indicated that the backlash had caught leadership off guard, forcing a reconsideration of Behar’s role on the show.

“Executives are growing increasingly tired of cleaning up after controversies stirred by hosts like Joy Behar,” an insider disclosed, hinting at potential changes or even a major shake-up at the popular daytime talk show.

Further complicating the situation, the controversy sparked broader conversations about double standards in media treatment of conservative women.

Commentators highlighted past instances involving prominent conservative figures such as former White House Press Secretaries Kayleigh McEnany and Sarah Huckabee Sanders, both of whom faced similar dismissive and insulting remarks in media outlets.

The intensity of the backlash, combined with growing unease from advertisers, has reportedly pushed ABC executives into urgent discussions about the show’s direction.

Advertisers have expressed concern about associating their brands with repeated controversies, particularly those seen as undermining the empowerment of women, a key audience demographic for daytime television.

Meanwhile, Caroline Leavitt’s performance on the show positioned her as a strong voice capable of effectively countering media criticism. Analysts noted that her measured but powerful responses significantly raised her profile, marking a clear victory amid the turbulent debate.

Even critics acknowledged her ability to steer the conversation away from personal attacks and towards broader, more substantive issues about media responsibility and fairness.

Political analysts suggest that incidents like this further polarize the already divided American public but also highlight a shared frustration with perceived media bias and hypocrisy.

The bipartisan condemnation of Behar’s remarks reflects increasing awareness and resistance among viewers to double standards in how media personalities and outlets cover political figures, particularly conservative women.

“This controversy isn’t merely about Caroline Leavitt,” remarked a political commentator. “It’s about recognizing the consistent, unfair treatment conservative women face in mainstream media and finally holding outlets like ‘The View’ accountable.”

As ABC contemplates its next moves, the fate of Joy Behar on “The View” remains uncertain. The show, known for embracing controversy to drive ratings, may have reached a tipping point where controversy risks becoming detrimental rather than beneficial.

Insiders report a growing sentiment that preserving the credibility and appeal of “The View” might necessitate a significant shift in its cast or editorial direction.

Ultimately, this incident underscores the complex and contentious dynamics within today’s media landscape, highlighting critical questions about accountability, fairness, and genuine support for women’s empowerment.

Whether ABC and “The View” will respond with meaningful changes or maintain the status quo remains to be seen, but Caroline Leavitt’s confident defense has clearly resonated with audiences, indicating a potential shift in public expectations for media discussions around women and politics.