Additional Coverage:
On Thursday’s episode of The View, longtime cohost Joy Behar was noticeably absent due to a dislocated shoulder, as revealed by fellow panelist Sunny Hostin. The 83-year-old Behar’s injury kept her from joining the live broadcast, prompting Hostin, 57, to step into the moderator role-typically held by Whoopi Goldberg or Behar herself.
“Hello and welcome to The View!” Hostin greeted the audience at the start of the show.
She explained that Goldberg was still away filming a movie and shared the unfortunate news about Behar’s injury, eliciting a gasp from the studio audience. Hostin quickly reassured viewers that Behar was on the mend and expected to return soon.
With both of the show’s veteran cohosts out, Hostin lightheartedly remarked, “The two OGs are out today, so, apparently, the job went to the next oldest-or, let’s say, seasoned-co-host. I like seasoned better!”
Goldberg’s absence had been announced in advance, with former cohost Sherri Shepherd invited back as a guest panelist. Hostin warmly welcomed Shepherd before diving into the day’s Hot Topics.
During the broadcast, Hostin appeared to take a firmer stance on the ongoing Cornell Seven case. Just a day earlier, she had provided a legal explanation for why charges were initially not filed against seven former fraternity members accused of sexually assaulting a student, citing New York’s laws on consent and voluntary intoxication.
However, on Thursday, Hostin described the case as “repugnant and grotesque” while noting that the investigation was still active. She highlighted ongoing efforts to reform New York’s sexual assault laws, which advocates have been pursuing for eight years.
Hostin also referenced New York Assemblyman Pat Burke’s controversial comment that changing the law could “ruin drunk sex,” condemning the statement as “repugnant and grotesque.”
As Behar focuses on her recovery and Goldberg remains on a temporary hiatus, Hostin’s expanded role on the show reflects the shifting dynamics of The View’s panel this week.