Whoopi Goldberg is facing backlash after making comments about her financial situation, stating that she, too, has to “work for a living.” The remarks came during an episode of The View where the longtime cohost appeared to draw parallels between her own experiences and those of working- and middle class Americans struggling in the current economic climate. While Goldberg’s comments seemed intended to acknowledge economic hardships faced by many, her words didn’t sit well with audiences.In the segment, Goldberg expressed empathy for those feeling the impact of inflation and rising costs, saying,
“I appreciate that people are having a hard time. Me too. I work for a living.If I had all the money in the world, I would not be here, OK? So, I’m a working person.”
At 69 years old, Goldberg then went on to share how her family has also felt the sting of rising costs, explaining that her daughter and great-granddaughter have struggled to keep up with day-to-day expenses amid inflation. “My kid has to feed her family. My great-granddaughter has to be fed by her family. I know it’s hard out there,” she added, seemingly attempting to underscore that even celebrities aren’t immune to economic pressures.
Goldberg’s comments quickly sparked reactions across social media, where users criticized her portrayal of herself as an everyday American facing financial strain. Many took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express frustration, with one user commenting, “Whoopi Goldberg claims she’s a ‘working-class American’ and that her family currently knows the struggles of affording groceries. She has a net worth of $45 million.” Another post read, “She’s got to be one of the most tone-deaf celebrities I’ve ever seen. I truly don’t know how anyone genuinely watches this lady except to mock her.” Many argued that with her significant net worth, Goldberg’s experience is fundamentally different from that of the average working American. “If she’s working class, I’m starving class,” quipped another user, while others echoed similar sentiments, calling her remarks “out of touch” and suggesting that celebrities like her are far removed from the daily financial struggles of most people.
Goldberg’s portrayal of herself as a working person comes amid a series of other recent comments she made about the rising cost of living in the United States. Just last week, she found herself in hot water after blaming grocery store owners for the surge in food prices. During a November 7 episode of The View, Goldberg remarked, “Your pocketbook is bad, not because the Bidens did anything. Not because the economy is bad. Your grocery bills are what they are because the folks that own the groceries are pigs.” Her statement quickly ignited yet another wave of criticism from viewers, who accused her of making sweeping, insensitive generalizations about an industry that, like many others, has been affected by inflation and supply chain disruptions.
As viewers took to social media to voice their disagreement, one person questioned, “When was the last time she stepped into a supermarket? I’m betting it’s been a while.” Another user pointed out, “She’s slandering all grocery shop owners. She’s despicable.” These remarks highlight an ongoing concern from fans and critics alike who feel that high earning celebrities may be overlooking or misunderstanding the complex factors contributing to inflation including supply chain issues global market fluctuations, and local economic shifts.
The backlash surrounding Goldberg’s comments illustrates a broader cultural frustration with wealthy public figures who appear to equate their financial struggles with those of the average person. While Goldberg’s intentions may have been to show empathy, her approach seems to have missed the mark for many. Celebrities who try to relate to the financial concerns of average Americans can often face criticism, especially when their substantial wealth creates an inherent gap between their experiences and those of the general population. In Goldberg’s case, her comments seemed to stir strong emotions in viewers who felt her perspective on “working for a living” was, at best, well-meaning but misguided.
This isn’t the first time Goldberg has sparked debate over her views on social issues, and her role as a co-host on *The View* has positioned her as a frequent commentator on controversial topics. However, her recent statements suggest a possible disconnect between her and her audience, who might expect more nuanced insights on economic issues, particularly from a figure of her influence. As public figures continue to address these topics, the reactions to Goldberg’s comments underscore the importance of aligning one’s message with the experiences and concerns of everyday people. While her words were likely intended to bridge a gap, they instead served as a reminder of the stark financial disparities between celebrities and the average American struggling to make ends meet in an increasingly expensive world.
