Whoopi Goldberg is facing backlash over claims that a favorited Staten Island bakery denied her service due to her political beliefs.
“The View” co-host made the accusation during Wednesday’s show, as her co-hosts treated her to Charlotte Russe desserts, a favorite of her mother, in celebration of her 69th birthday.
Goldberg told the audience that the bakery that she used almost fell through, claiming that it opposed her liberal views.
“Now, I should tell you, Charlotte Russe has no political leanings, and the place that made these refused to make them for me,” she told her co-hosts and the audience, per the New York Post.
“They said that their ovens had gone down, all kinds of stuff, but folks went and got them anyway, which is why I’m not telling you who made them.”
Goldberg claimed that she was denied service not because of her race or gender but because “they did not like my politics.”
“But that’s okay because, you know what? Listen, this is my mother’s celebration. Pick these up and celebrate with me and my mom. Thank you everyone for celebrating my birthday today,” she said, encouraging everyone to dig in.
Though Goldberg did not disclose the name of the bakery, Entertainment Weekly was able to determine that the desserts belonged to Holtermann’s Bakery, an 145-year-old establishment, citing the signature packaging used.
After learning of the accusations, Jill Holtermann, the bakery’s owner, set the record straight. She explained that she turned Goldberg away not because of her political views, but due to mechanical issues with the boilers, which have been a continuous issue in the building, which has been around since 1930.
“I said to Whoopi, ‘I can’t do it right now.’ We have so many things going on with my boiler,” she told the outlet, per Fox News, adding, “I didn’t want to make a commitment that I can’t carry through.”
Holtermann said that she was able to make 50 desserts that were picked up before the show’s taping.
Customers of the bakery did not let Goldberg off the hook, quickly slamming the actress for her claims.
“I think it’s ridiculous,” said Deborah Bernaz, 68. “Why would she come all the way to Staten Island for her cupcake? To make an issue? They’ve been here forever.”
“I don’t think it has anything to do with politics,” she continued. “They’re a little Staten Island bakery. I think it’s bullsh*t what she’s saying. Leave politics out of the bakery.”
“They would never do that. I’m not going to get into detail, but she’s not a nice person,” said customer Lucy D’Amato, referring to Goldberg.
One customer, a teacher, told The Post on Thursday that she decided to show up in support of the bakery.
“I read she tried to order stuff and made a comment that she didn’t get served because of her political stance,” said the anonymous customer. “That’s disgusting. Unbelievable, give me a break.”
“She can basically put a place out of business by saying those comments live like that. It’s absolutely ridiculous.”
Another anonymous customer also defended the bakery and criticized the actress.
“I think that’s bullsh*t,” she said. “They’ve always been pleasant. They had a mechanical issue here, and they couldn’t deliver. It is what it is.”
