Whoopi Goldberg Pledges to Follow Brittney Griner Out of America: “No Respect for Talent Here”

In a moment that has lit up headlines and social media feeds across the country, Whoopi Goldberg stunned audiences on a recent episode of The View by announcing that she is seriously considering leaving the United States—citing a deepening lack of respect for artists, athletes, and people of color. Her comments, delivered in solidarity with basketball star Brittney Griner, have triggered both outrage and applause, and are quickly becoming a flashpoint in America’s ongoing cultural and political conversation.

“I’m with Brittney,” Goldberg declared. “There’s no respect for talent here anymore—especially when you’re Black, female, and outspoken. If she’s leaving, I might just go too.”

The remark was met with audible gasps from the studio audience and set off a firestorm online. Within hours, hashtags like #WhoopiOut, #StandWithGriner, and #NoRespectForTalent began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with supporters and critics weighing in from every corner of the political and cultural spectrum.

A Show of Solidarity

Goldberg’s comments came during a heated panel discussion on The View about Brittney Griner’s growing disillusionment with the United States, following years of controversy, criticism, and, most notably, her high-profile detainment in Russia. Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most dominant figures in women’s basketball, has frequently found herself at the center of intense scrutiny—much of it rooted not in her performance on the court, but in her identity as a Black, gay woman.

“DON’T JUDGE HER FOR ‘SKIN COLOR’, LOOK AT HER TALENT,” Goldberg said forcefully, echoing her long-standing commitment to social justice and cultural equity.

Griner has yet to officially confirm any plans to leave the country permanently, but recent comments during an overseas press appearance hinted at her disillusionment with life in the U.S. “It’s hard to feel at home when you’re constantly under a microscope,” she said. “Sometimes, the love just doesn’t feel mutual.”

America’s Talent Drain?

Goldberg’s remarks have reignited a deeper debate about what it means to feel respected and valued as a public figure in America—particularly for women and people of color. To her supporters, Goldberg’s willingness to speak out reflects a painful reality for many high-profile Americans who feel betrayed by the very country they helped elevate.

“Whoopi’s been a trailblazer her entire life,” said Dr. Lisa Robinson, a cultural historian and professor at NYU. “For her to reach a point where she feels leaving the U.S. is even on the table? That says something about how broken our discourse around race and recognition really is.”

But others saw her comments as divisive, opportunistic, or even unpatriotic. “She’s a millionaire living in the greatest country on Earth,” wrote one critic on X. “If she doesn’t like it, she’s free to go.”

Fame, Race, and the American Mirror

At the heart of the controversy is a persistent tension between celebrity and identity—especially for Black public figures. Despite her legacy as an EGOT winner, civil rights advocate, and one of the most recognizable faces in American entertainment, Goldberg has often spoken about the limitations placed on her because of her race and gender.

Brittney Griner’s story follows a similar arc. Despite an illustrious career—including multiple WNBA championships, Olympic golds, and groundbreaking activism—she remains a lightning rod for criticism, much of which she and her allies believe is racially and politically motivated.

“The backlash she gets is never about her talent,” Goldberg said. “It’s about what she represents. That’s what people can’t handle.”

A Growing Divide—or a Call for Reckoning?

The idea of celebrities “leaving America” has long served as both a rhetorical symbol and a cultural lightning rod. From artists in exile during the Vietnam War to modern-day stars threatening to relocate after contentious elections, such announcements often spark more heat than follow-through.

But Goldberg’s influence—combined with Griner’s rising profile—has lent new weight to the conversation. At a time when cultural debates over “wokeness,” free speech, and American identity are at a fever pitch, their voices are cutting through the noise in ways that few others can.

“Whether or not Whoopi actually moves abroad is beside the point,” said political analyst Jamal Harris. “What matters is that she’s speaking a truth that many people feel—that being successful in America doesn’t always mean being respected in America.”

What’s Next?

Neither Goldberg nor Griner has announced concrete plans to leave the U.S., but the conversation they’ve sparked is far from over. In the days since Goldberg’s statement, prominent athletes, actors, and public figures have weighed in—some offering support, others leveling sharp criticism.

Meanwhile, conservative media outlets have framed the comments as yet another example of out-of-touch elitism, while progressives are hailing Goldberg’s remarks as a brave stand against a system that continues to marginalize Black women.

Whether seen as a protest, a plea, or a promise, Goldberg’s declaration has struck a chord. For many, it reflects a growing sense that fame no longer guarantees freedom—and that success, for some, comes with a heavy cost.

Final Thoughts

As the culture continues to fracture along political, racial, and generational lines, Goldberg’s words pose a provocative question: If the most accomplished among us no longer feel welcome in America, what does that say about who we are—and who we’re becoming?

“I love this country,” Goldberg said. “But love isn’t blind. And when it stops loving you back, you’ve got to ask yourself: what are you staying for?”