Black Americans are slamming Whoopi Goldberg after she claimed on The View that living in the United States as a black person is just as bad as living in Iran.
The Oscar-winning actress sparked the firestorm during a segment in which co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin praised American freedoms, saying, ‘The U.S. in 2025 is not as bad as Iran in 2025.’
Goldberg, who is worth an estimated $60 million, immediately cut in: ‘Not if you’re Black.’
That single remark set off a wave of outrage online, especially from fellow black Americans accused the Sister Act star of being completely out of touch with reality.
TikTok user Key (@nahzfontee) was among the first to call Goldberg out, posting a passionate video criticizing her for comparing herself to people in a country where women can be jailed or even killed for basic freedoms.
‘You’re a multi-millionaire black woman on national television saying this?’ Key said.
‘That alone proves the difference between America and Iran. You have the freedom to say that. In Iran, women can’t show their hair.
‘They have no freedom of speech, no religion, no protest. Meanwhile, you can march down the street screaming that Trump’s a king and nothing happens.’
Whoopi Goldberg sparked backlash from back Americans after claiming being black in the US is ‘no different’ than living in Iran
TikToker @nahzfontee said Whoopi’s comment proved her own privilege: ‘You’re a multi-millionaire Black woman on national TV – that alone shows the difference’
TikTok creator Bigswol blasted Goldberg, saying, ‘Not one Black American would trade places with anyone in Iran. What are you talking about?’
TikTok creator Bigswol (@bigswol) took it a step further, accusing Goldberg of spreading false victimhood while enjoying privileges most people can’t dream of.
‘Can someone tell Whoopi Goldberg she’s rich and black?’ he said in his video.
‘What the f**k you mean life in America is just as bad as Iran? Women in Iran can’t even speak freely. You couldn’t wear your favorite outfit over there.’
‘America has the most black millionaires in the world – and you’re one of them. Nobody in this country would trade places with someone in Iran. And the wildest part? Nobody on The View even pushed back.’
But the most blistering takedown came from The Cartier Family, a group of YouTubers whose reaction video went viral.
‘She up $60 million talking about her life hard because she black,’ host Brandon Rhone said. ‘I’m sick of the whole black people are oppressed shit.’
‘It’s more black people killing each other than the police is killing us. But nobody want to bring it up.’
‘There’s no way I heard that right,’ said the other host Soloman Brant, calling out Goldberg’s privilege. ‘You probably have security, you’re Whoopi Goldberg!’
The Cartier Family called Goldberg’s remarks ‘delusional,’ pointing to U.S. freedoms, wealth, and opportunity: ‘This is the best place to be Black’
So far, Goldberg has not responded to the growing backlash. But with clips still circulating and high-profile creators weighing in, the pressure to clarify – or double down – is mounting.
They added that Goldberg’s roles, such as in the movie The Color Purple which examines black poverty, may have distorted Goldberg’s view of present-day America.
‘So do they believe America is still in like the 1940s, 30s?’ chimed co-host Tahj Whitfield.
He continued: ‘I truly believe we did not suffer as much as our great grandparents and our great great grandparents. We are so blessed right now in America, bro. I don’t understand why people keep trying to push us back.’
‘If you’re black and you’re poor and you’re born in Africa, you’re going to die poor. In America, if you’re born poor, you have an opportunity to become rich.’
Iran is described as by the US State Department, an ‘an authoritarian theocratic republic’ ruled by strict Shia Islamist laws.
Multiple nationwide protests began in the country in 2022 after the death of Mahsa (Jina) Amini who was taken into custody by the morality police for refusing to wear a hijab.
The protests resulted in the deaths of more than 500 people after lethal force was used to quell the backlash.
Alyssa Farah Griffin sparked the debate by saying the U.S. in 2025 is ‘not as bad as Iran’ – prompting Whoopi Goldberg’s viral response
Iran is described as by the US State Department, an ‘an authoritarian theocratic republic’ ruled by strict Shia Islamist laws. Protests broke out in 2022 after a woman died in the custody of the country’s morality police who arrested her for not wearing a hijab
The View’s discussion came amid escalating conflict between Tehran and Israel. Pictured: damage is seen at the building and studios of the Iranian Radio and Television Broadcasting Corporation (IRIB) headquarters after it was reportedly targeted by an Israeli strike
The View’s take on the Iran conflict comes as many of Trump’s MAGA loyalists urge him to stick to the isolationist platform that first got him elected.
On Wednesday, Tucker Carlson released a bombshell interview where Senator Ted Cruz appeared to admit the U.S. is already involved in strikes on Iranian targets.
‘You said Israel was,’ Carlson said.
‘I’ve said ‘we’. Israel is leading, but we’re supporting them,’ Cruz replied.
‘You’re breaking news here,’ Carlson responded. ‘The U.S. government just denied, on Trump’s behalf, that we’re acting offensively for Israel.’
Earlier this week, both Carlson and former Trump strategist Steve Bannon warned on their podcasts that a strike on Iran would be disastrous.
They blamed the intelligence ‘deep state’ and war-hawk Republicans for swaying Trump toward military involvement — and warned it could mean ‘the end of his presidency.’
Trump brushed off Carlson’s criticism at the G7, saying, ‘I don’t know what Tucker Carlson is saying. Let him go get a TV network so people listen.’
Shortly after, he fired back on social media: ‘Somebody please explain to kooky Tucker Carlson that IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON.’
