Whoopi Goldberg Apologizes for Using Offensive Word on ‘The View’
On Wednesday’s episode of ‘The View’, Whoopi Goldberg used an offensive word while discussing former President Donald Trump. The 67-year-old actress mentioned how Trump’s supporters feel he got “gypped” in the 2020 presidential election. Shortly after the episode aired, ‘The View’s’ official Twitter account posted an apology video from Goldberg.
In the video, Goldberg apologized for using a word that she used to say as a kid, not realizing that it was offensive. She explained how she should have thought about it longer before she said it and that she should have said “cheated” instead. Goldberg ended her apology by saying, “I’m really, really sorry.”
The word “gypped” is considered offensive because it is derived from the term “gypsy,” which has been used to describe the Romani people. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines being “gypped” as being cheated, defrauded or swindled. The origin of the term is believed to be short for “gypsy.” However, the Romani people consider the term derogatory because it has been used in a negative context for years.
Ian Hancock, a University of Texas at Austin professor who was born in Britain to Romani parents, explained to NPR in 2013 how the word “gypped” is offensive to the Romani people. He said, “My response to them is, ‘That’s okay. You didn’t know, but now you do. So stop using it. It may mean nothing to you, but when we hear it, it still hurts.'”
This is not the first time that Goldberg has come under fire for making offensive comments. Last year, the ‘Till’ star was suspended from ‘The View’ for declaring that the Holocaust was “not about race” but about “white supremacy” and “man’s inhumanity to man.” Goldberg’s first apology attempt was not well-received. In a December interview, she seemingly doubled down on her beliefs. However, Goldberg quickly issued an explanation, saying the whole thing was a misunderstanding.
Goldberg’s recent apology for using an offensive word on ‘The View’ shows that she is willing to take responsibility for her actions and learn from her mistakes. It is important for all of us to be mindful of the words we use and the impact they have on others. We should strive to create a world where everyone is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, or background.
