Joy Behar poses at the opening night of "My First Ex-Husband" at MMAC Theater on February 6, 2025 in New York City.

In a dramatic and unprecedented moment that stunned viewers nationwide, ABC’s long-running daytime talk show The View was abruptly pulled off the air following an explosive on-air confrontation between Fox News contributor Tyrus and co-host Joy Behar. The incident, which unfolded during a heated debate over immigration policy, has sparked a social media firestorm and renewed scrutiny over how live television handles political discourse in today’s deeply divided climate.

A Debate Turns Combative

The June 25 broadcast of The View began like many others: a lively discussion on the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Tyrus, a conservative commentator and former professional wrestler, defended the administration’s stricter deportation measures, arguing they were necessary to protect American citizens and uphold the rule of law. Behar, known for her progressive stance and direct commentary, challenged him, accusing conservative media of stoking fear about immigrants and deepening national divides.

“Fear-mongering is the real problem here,” Behar asserted, pointing to what she described as damaging rhetoric that demonizes undocumented immigrants. Tyrus, unshaken, shot back with a sharp rebuke: “The real division starts right here at this table. Every single day, this show makes it harder for people with different views to feel heard.” The pointed comment appeared to momentarily stun Behar and the studio audience, underscoring the raw tension bubbling just beneath the surface.

The Exchange Escalates

Julian Lennon is a guest on "The View" airing on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. "The View" airs Monday - Friday, 11am - 12 noon ET on ABC. SARA HAINES, JOY...

Rather than cooling down, the conversation grew increasingly charged. Behar pressed Tyrus to address how conservative narratives often portray immigrants as threats. “Your side of the aisle has been building walls—literally and figuratively—for years,” she argued. Tyrus responded calmly but firmly, maintaining that the policies were about national safety rather than fear, and that criticism ignored the legal distinction between lawful immigrants and those who cross the border illegally.

While debates on The View often get spirited, insiders say this exchange felt different. According to sources close to the production, the control room was thrown into disarray as the clash intensified. Co-host Whoopi Goldberg, who usually moderates the show’s debates, appeared visibly frustrated, allegedly throwing her hands up as producers scrambled to cut to a commercial break.

A Sudden Blackout—and a Network Mystery

Then, in an unexpected move that left viewers confused and social media ablaze, ABC abruptly ended the broadcast. For several minutes, the screen went black before airing an unscheduled rerun segment. The network has since declined to offer a detailed explanation, fueling speculation and conspiracy theories online. Fans of the show and media critics alike are now demanding answers about why The View went dark so suddenly and whether the decision was tied directly to the heated exchange.

Social Media Reactions: Divided and Volatile

Within hours, clips of the confrontation had gone viral across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram. Hashtags like #TyrusVsBehar and #TheViewClash trended, revealing a nation sharply divided along ideological lines.

Conservative voices praised Tyrus for confronting what they see as an echo chamber on The View. “Tyrus is saying what so many Americans feel,” one user posted. “It’s about time someone called out the double standard on live TV.” Others viewed his comments as courageous and necessary for balanced debate.

On the other side, progressive commentators criticized Tyrus for what they described as deflection and divisive rhetoric. “He turned the conversation into an attack on the show rather than addressing real issues,” a viewer tweeted. Some accused him of deliberately escalating the argument to provoke controversy.

Tyrus’ Cryptic Post Fuels Speculation

Tyrus attends FOX Nation's 2024 Patriot Awards at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on December 05, 2024 in Greenvale, New York.

Adding to the drama, Tyrus posted a cryptic message on social media the following day: “Truth has a way of making cowards nervous.” The post was widely interpreted as a nod to the previous day’s events, suggesting that he saw himself as challenging what he views as a biased media narrative.

Supporters lauded the statement as proof of Tyrus’ willingness to speak candidly. Critics, however, accused him of fanning the flames for attention and further polarizing the discourse.

Behind the Scenes: What Really Happened?

While the full details remain murky, sources within ABC described the backstage atmosphere as chaotic. Producers reportedly attempted to regain control of the broadcast, but the intensity of the debate caught even seasoned staff off guard. The network’s decision to pull the show mid-broadcast is unprecedented in recent history, and ABC’s silence has only deepened the mystery.

Media experts say the moment highlights the delicate balance shows like The View must maintain: offering spirited debate without veering into outright hostility that could alienate viewers—or prompt abrupt network intervention.

What’s Next for The View and Tyrus?

The confrontation has sparked broader questions about how media platforms navigate America’s polarized political climate. Can shows like The View, which thrive on contrasting opinions, continue to invite voices from opposing sides without risking on-air meltdowns? And how will networks respond when ideological clashes become too heated for live television?

For Tyrus, the episode appears unlikely to diminish his profile; if anything, it has reinforced his reputation as a blunt and provocative conservative commentator unafraid of confrontation. For The View, the incident could force producers to reconsider how far live debates should be allowed to go—and how to manage unexpected blowups in real time.

One thing is clear: the explosive showdown between Tyrus and Joy Behar won’t be forgotten soon. As debates over immigration, media bias, and free speech continue to dominate the national conversation, this clash serves as a vivid reminder of just how volatile—and consequential—live television can be.