Whoopi Goldberg Defends Olympic Drag Performance Amid Controversy

Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of "The View," addressed the backlash surrounding a drag queen performance at the Olympics opening ceremony, which some viewers interpreted as a depiction of "The Last Supper." In her remarks, Goldberg urged those offended by the performance to simply "turn the TV off" rather than spending excessive time expressing their discontent. She emphasized personal choice, stating, "If you don’t like it, go to something else." Goldberg clarified that the performance's director denied any connection to the biblical scene, asserting it was inspired by "The Feast of the Gods," a 17th-century Dutch painting featuring Greek Olympian gods. She pointed out that the number of figures in the performance exceeded the twelve disciples, further distancing it from the religious interpretation. Co-host Sara Haines expressed her frustration with the religious arguments surrounding the performance, highlighting the importance of intention. She noted that the director had apologized to those who felt offended, suggesting that the outrage was disproportionate to the performance's significance. Haines emphasized the need to focus on the athletes who dedicate their lives to compete at the Olympics. In a broader context, Haines cautioned against the potential backlash the LGBTQ+ community might face due to the controversy, arguing that such reactions only serve to reinforce barriers rather than dismantle them. She called for a more understanding approach, urging viewers to appreciate the diversity of the event rather than allowing outrage to dominate the conversation.