In an explosive moment that has rocked daytime television, Fox News personality Lisa Kennedy Montgomery—known simply as Kennedy—unleashed a shocking insult at longtime The View co-host Joy Behar, calling her a “talking hemorrhoid in an auburn wig” during a live segment. The jaw-dropping remark instantly sent shockwaves through the studio audience, social media, and the entertainment world at large.

The incident occurred during what was expected to be a standard guest host audition on The View, a show famous for its heated political discussions and rotating panel of outspoken women. Kennedy, known for her sharp libertarian views and blunt style, was introduced as part of the show’s ongoing search for fresh talent. But few expected the audition to turn into one of the most incendiary moments in the show’s recent history.

The Moment That Changed Everything

As the segment unfolded, Kennedy was asked about her impressions of the show and how she felt sitting alongside the veteran hosts. Her response started diplomatically but took a sudden, brutal turn when she addressed Behar directly.

“Let’s be honest,” Kennedy said. “This show could use a fresh perspective. It’s become the same voice over and over again. I mean, Joy’s basically a talking hemorrhoid in an auburn wig at this point.”

The studio fell silent. Gasps echoed through the audience. Behar, visibly stunned, appeared momentarily speechless. Co-hosts shifted uncomfortably in their seats as producers scrambled behind the scenes. What had started as a lighthearted audition had become an instant cultural flashpoint.

Reaction: Applause or Outrage?

Reactions came swiftly and fiercely. Twitter, Instagram, and news outlets lit up with commentary. Some praised Kennedy’s bluntness and claimed it was a long-overdue critique of Behar’s often polarizing presence. Others condemned it as a deeply personal and unnecessary attack that crossed the line of professional discourse.

“Finally, someone said what we were all thinking,” one viewer posted on X. “Behar has been steamrolling conversations for years. Kennedy’s just calling it out.”

But not everyone was applauding. “Unacceptable,” wrote another user. “There’s no room for personal insults like that on daytime television. It’s not bold, it’s cruel.”

Entertainment journalists and political commentators also weighed in. Some speculated the jab was not just offhanded cruelty, but part of a calculated move by Kennedy to secure a permanent role on the panel—perhaps even as a replacement for Behar herself.

Strategic Power Play?

Kennedy has never been one to hold her tongue. A former MTV VJ turned Fox News libertarian voice, she’s built a career on challenging conventional thinking and confronting establishment figures head-on. But this latest move might signal a more ambitious plan.

Could Kennedy be eyeing Joy Behar’s seat on The View?

Media insiders suggest it’s not out of the question. With Behar’s contract reportedly under review and producers constantly tinkering with the show’s dynamic to maintain its ratings and cultural relevance, a shake-up isn’t out of the realm of possibility.

“Whether it was strategic or spontaneous, Kennedy’s comment grabbed headlines,” said one TV analyst. “And when it comes to daytime talk, sometimes controversy is currency.”

Behar, 81, has long been the progressive voice of The View, known for her no-nonsense opinions and decades of television experience. But her outspoken nature has drawn criticism in recent years from viewers who find her tone combative or dismissive of differing opinions.

Kennedy, by contrast, represents a younger, edgier, and more libertarian perspective—something the show has rarely showcased in full.

Fans Divided, Showrunners Silent

Meanwhile, The View’s production team has remained publicly silent about the incident, fueling speculation over how it might impact the show’s future. Internally, sources say meetings are underway to discuss how to handle the fallout, with some team members reportedly “concerned about optics” while others are “encouraged by the ratings bump” following the episode.

“The View has always been about clashing perspectives,” one staffer said under condition of anonymity. “This was more intense than we’re used to, but there’s no denying it got people talking.”

As of now, neither Behar nor Kennedy has issued a formal statement, although insiders suggest both women have been contacted by public relations teams and legal advisors regarding what can be said next.

What Happens Now?

The ball is in the court of The View‘s producers—and perhaps Behar herself. Will this fiery moment lead to Kennedy becoming a more regular presence on the show? Could it spell the end of Behar’s long reign as the outspoken matriarch of the panel? Or will both women find a way to coexist in the heated environment that has defined The View since its inception?

In the world of daytime TV, drama often translates into ratings. But this particular confrontation may have crossed a line that can’t be easily erased.

What’s clear is that Kennedy’s remark has set a new bar for live television candor—and possibly opened the door to a dramatic transformation of one of America’s most iconic talk shows.

Whether that change is welcomed or not will depend on how viewers—and the network—respond in the days to come.