It's Not Gossip, It's Commentary
It’s unfortunate that Meghan McCain’s Bad Republican book tour does not include a chapter in which she takes responsibility for her role in the toxic behavior on The View. While I do not pretend to know what it’s like to sit at a table as the only Republican on a heavily left-leaning panel, I wish McCain could own up to disrespecting Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar time and time again.
Continue reading “Meghan McCain Goes Scorched Earth on ‘The View’”
Let me begin by confessing that I love nurses and I love Joy Behar, so if you anticipate bias, my loyalty is evenly matched. As for why I delayed in commenting on this drama, it’s because I thought it would die, but since it won’t — here goes.
The ladies of ‘The View’ poked fun at the Miss America pageant, which entailed joking about a nurse who skipped the traditional song and dance and instead wore her scrubs and used the stage to tell an emotional, personal story about how she impacted someone’s life and is more than “just a nurse.” The View panel poked fun, with Michelle Collins leading the charge, suggesting that her delivery was a little odd and she basically read her email on stage. Joy Behar then asked why she was wearing “a doctor’s stethoscope around her neck.” The backlash was immediate, and advertisers have now pulled their products off the ABC lineup. The reason for the heated reaction is twofold. First, Miss Colorado’s speech was actually very good, and it was a refreshing alternative to the useless crap that Miss America usually pedals (see Jon Oliver video below — it’s last). And when something is that good, and the joke is so far off the mark, it’s going to land like a turd on a hot day. The second issue is that Joy asked about the stethoscope, which some have interpreted to mean that she suggested she wasn’t equipped to wear it. While I understand the criticism, I’ve watched the video numerous times, and I’m willing stand firm in the fact that it is NOT what Joy meant. She chimed in somewhat lazily, saw her in scrubs, and was confused — since it’s Miss America and she wasn’t wearing glitter and a bathing suit while twirling a baton. If anyone legitimately thinks that Joy Behar and The View panelists have hate in their heart, so be it. But if you’re attempting to burn someone’s house down because they threw a pebble at your window, I’d encourage more rational thought. If a construction worker walked on stage wearing a hard hat and carrying his hammer, wouldn’t the ladies say, “Hmm . . . why is he wearing that hard hat?” Would we then say they don’t respect construction workers. Wearing your work uniform on stage is unusual, and the first reaction will be one of inquiry.
In closing, I’d like to suggest that everyone seriously lighten up. People are constantly complaining about the perils of our PC culture, and this is precisely why. I began watching The View because the ladies boldly offered their raw perspectives on hot-button issues and were unafraid of the consequences. Issues like this suggest they are not allowed to make a mistake, which means the show will be irreparably compromised. Nurses deserve an incredible amount of respect. They deal with patients in their worst moments, and their role is vital. Do we seriously believe that The View thinks otherwise? Watch the videos below in succession, and judge for yourself.
THE SPEECH
THE JOKE
THE APOLOGY
JON OLIVER
‘Toddlers & Tiaras’ isn’t “controversial” — it’s objectively immoral. It’s not okay to sexualize young children, and it’s certainly not okay for a network to profit from a parent’s disgusting choices. In the clip below, you’ll see a four year old named Maddy Jackson appearing as Dolly Parton, which includes wearing fake breasts and a fake butt. The stir surrounding the show was recently discussed on ‘The View,’ when Eden Wood performed a song, and the show’s viewers erupted in fury. At the time, Barbara Walters argued that no one complained when Shirley Temple did it, at which point Joy Behar rightly pointed out that Shirley Temple was never sexualized. She never waved her ass around while wearing fake boobs. At some point, a network must take responsibility for where they churn profits, and this show needs to end. Everyone involved should be ashamed of themselves for ignoring the moral high-ground in favor of ratings. These are children.
When I first watched ‘The Talk,’ I knew almost immediately that the show would not survive with its panel of hosts. The women didn’t gel, and the only person that I thought had true talent was Julie Chen, who, similar to Barbara Walters’ role on ‘The View,’ is a real journalist (though there is only one Babs). So it’s no surprise that three of the original hosts have been given the axe. This includes: Leah Remini, Holly Robinson Peete, and Marissa Jaret Winokur. Leah Remini recently admitted to the firing (or “not having her option picked up” as it goes in Hollywood), which I appreciate. There’s no need to develop some elaborate excuse about not wanting to return (hear that Megan Fox?). Though I feel bad for them, this was a good decision on CBS’ part. First, Remini wasn’t funny. She’s an actress not a comedian. Unlike Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, and Sherri Shepherd, Remini not only lacks the timing necessary to navigate those segments, but she also is the rare breed of annoying, which includes thinking you’re funny when you’re not (at least Julie Chen never attempted jokes). As for Holly Robinson Peete, she just wasn’t particularly interesting or funny. I hate to be harsh, but I’m glad CBS got their act together. There are rumors swirling that Kris Jenner might be the new co-host, which is actually a good idea. Despite my love/hate relationship with the Kardashians, they are relevant — like it or not.
I just watched two episodes of ‘Gene Simmon’s Family Jewel’s’ (yes, you should feel sorry for me), and it’s safe to say it’s even faker than ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians.’ When I saw Shannon’s outburst on Joy Behar, I was convinced that they were actually having relationship issues. I must embarrassingly revoke my claim. Joaquin Phoenix once pretended to have a public meltdown, and he told Letterman he was trying to prove how easy it is to dupe people, because it’s shocking how easily people believe these reality shows, especially since reality stars are such terrible actors. The Simmons family is no exception. At one point Gene’s son confronts him about how he treated his mother, saying, “if someone hurt your mother what would you do?” It’s so histrionic that I actually looked away from the screen out of discomfort. I have to remind myself that Gene Simmons is a musician — not an actor.
Alexis Stewart appeared on ‘The View’s’ surrogacy themed episode to discuss her fertility issues, and I think it’s fair to say she has some other issues as well. Her appearance is a great example of why guests need to be pre-screened, regardless of their status. In the clip below, you’ll see that she speaks in circles, and even has trouble forming entire sentences. At one point, Whoopi Goldberg hilariously turns to the camera and makes a face of complete confusion. I’m guessing that Whoopi just threw in the towel while the other ladies made a valiant effort to make sense of her rambling. The only enjoyable comment came from Joy Behar when she asked Alexis if her mother, Martha Stewart, “knitted her a crib.” Watch below.
My Hollywood insiders tell me that 99% of reality television is fake. Because I’m a gullible dolt, I have trouble believing them. As a result, I think the clip below is real. In it, Shannon Tweed storms off the set of Joy Behar’s show, after her long-time partner, Gene Simmons, makes a joke about the many women he’s had sex with. There’s much speculation on the internet that it’s planned, but I just don’t think they are talented enough to pull off the spectacle. Plus, it’s entirely possible that they have already split up, and they are contractually obligated to promote the show, while also keeping the current status of their relationship a secret. Watch below and judge for yourself.