Whoopi Goldberg, a beloved figure in American entertainment and co-host of The View, has found herself at the center of controversy after describing herself as a “working person” on a recent episode. During a segment discussing economic struggles and the challenges facing American families today, Goldberg used the term to align herself with everyday workers, likely in an attempt to demonstrate empathy and relatability. However, her comments were met with immediate backlash, with viewers and social media critics pointing out that Goldberg’s status as a Hollywood icon with a multimillion-dollar net worth makes her experience fundamentally different from that of the average American. Her choice of words has since ignited an intense debate around celebrity privilege, the relatability of public figures, and the complex disconnect between the lives of Hollywood elites and everyday Americans.
Goldberg’s career is a story of immense success. From her breakout role in The Color Purple to her Oscar-winning performance in Ghost, she has long been recognized as one of Hollywood’s most talented performers. Over the years, she has achieved what’s known as EGOT status, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony—an accomplishment only a select few in the industry have reached. Today, she enjoys financial security and fame that place her far from the world of paycheck-to-paycheck living, with an estimated net worth that reportedly spans tens of millions. Yet, despite these achievements, Goldberg likely wanted to show solidarity with working Americans by identifying herself as a “working person” on the show.
The remark immediately triggered mixed reactions online, with many viewers questioning whether it was appropriate for a celebrity of her stature to liken herself to the “working class.” For many, a “working person” is someone who must juggle rising rent, grocery bills, health care costs, and the many financial pressures of everyday life in an economy that often feels unforgiving. These viewers felt that Goldberg’s attempt to place herself in the same category seemed out of touch, given the substantial financial and lifestyle differences. To critics, it appeared as though she might not fully understand the daily struggles that millions of people face—people whose livelihoods may depend on hourly wages, limited savings, and a lack of job security, especially in a period marked by high inflation and financial challenges.
Social media erupted with commentary. Critics were quick to point out the significant gap between Goldberg’s reality and that of the average American worker, expressing frustration at what they saw as a tone-deaf remark. Some users noted that celebrities often fail to grasp the realities of everyday working life, pointing to Goldberg’s remark as an example of Hollywood’s privileged bubble. One Twitter user wrote, “Working people are struggling to make ends meet, and you’re living in luxury. How are we the same?” Others argued that although Goldberg continues to work actively on The View, the security, wealth, and comfort her career affords her means that her situation is incomparable to the daily stresses facing the working and middle classes.
Supporters of Goldberg, however, came to her defense, suggesting that her comment was likely intended to express the pride she takes in her work ethic and the consistency of her career. They argue that Goldberg has indeed been a “working person” in the sense that she has maintained a dedicated career spanning four decades, working on numerous television shows, movies, and other projects. In their view, Goldberg’s comment was meant to highlight that despite her financial success, she has always valued working hard and contributing to the industry, even if her definition of “working” differs from the daily grind experienced by most Americans.
This incident has sparked wider discussions around the expectations society places on celebrities regarding relatability and authenticity. Americans have long been fascinated by celebrity culture, drawn to stars for both their talents and the feeling that these larger-than-life personalities can still connect with their fans’ everyday experiences. Yet, when celebrities seem to trivialize or misunderstand the challenges that come with “working” for a living, that connection can feel broken, as audiences expect public figures to acknowledge their privilege and wealth in a way that shows empathy for everyday struggles.
The divide between celebrities and the public is also increasingly evident during times of economic hardship. As the U.S. grapples with inflation and a cost-of-living crisis, working Americans are more aware than ever of the financial gulf between themselves and the wealthy. This disparity has become especially noticeable in moments where celebrities make comments that, intentionally or not, appear to downplay the difficulties of the average American experience. Goldberg’s remark has added fuel to this ongoing conversation, with critics urging stars to be more mindful of how their words are received by those who do not share their privileges.
In some ways, Goldberg’s comment is a microcosm of the broader challenge celebrities face in maintaining relatability while acknowledging their privilege. Celebrities often want to project authenticity and understanding, but their wealth and lifestyles can set them apart in ways that make this difficult. For many fans, a sincere acknowledgment of privilege and the ways in which their lives differ can be enough to bridge this gap. However, missteps—such as comments that appear to downplay the difficulty of “working” in the context of today’s economic challenges—can erode the bond audiences feel with public figures they admire.
Ultimately, Whoopi Goldberg’s remark has struck a chord precisely because it touches on these sensitive and timely issues of wealth, privilege, and relatability. While she may have intended to express her pride in continuing to work actively on The View, the backlash shows that viewers want celebrities to recognize the realities of the “working” experience in America more fully. In a world where economic challenges are affecting millions, the public may be less forgiving of comments that appear to lack this understanding. This moment serves as a reminder to celebrities that, while their intentions may be well-meaning, words matter—especially in the eyes of fans who are navigating an increasingly tough economic landscape.
