Overview

• On June 18, Whoopi Goldberg told her View co-hosts that the experiences of Black Americans are comparable to those of women and LGBTQ+ individuals living under Iran’s regime.
• Alyssa Farah Griffin disputed the analogy by highlighting Iran’s enforced dress codes, restricted freedoms for women and LGBTQ+ people and the lack of free elections.
• Iranian dissidents speaking to Fox News Digital and other outlets condemned Goldberg’s remarks as offensive and said the comparison trivialized ongoing executions and human rights abuses under Iran’s theocracy.
• Conservative commentators such as Guy Benson criticized the comparison as “disgraceful” and “ignorant,” pointing to Goldberg’s financial success and freedom to speak as evidence of U.S. liberties.
• Social media users seized on the debate to underscore that Goldberg enjoys protected rights in the U.S. and accused her of downplaying the severity of Iran’s enforcement of moral codes and punishments.