In a surprising revelation that has raised eyebrows across media circles, Fox News personality Greg Gutfeld has declared himself an admirer of Whoopi Goldberg, despite his history of harsh criticism toward the liberal talk show host.
Unexpected Admiration Amidst Public Criticism
During a comprehensive interview with The New York Times published on Saturday, Gutfeld made the unexpected confession about his feelings toward the co-host of The View. "I love Whoopi," the host of Gutfeld! and The Five told journalist David Marchese, challenging public perceptions about their relationship.
Gutfeld used the opportunity to explain his approach to political commentary, asserting that his often-biting mockery doesn't stem from personal animosity. "I genuinely like people that I tease," he stated, adding an intriguing twist to his philosophy: "In fact, if you want to know the people I don't like, it's the people that I don't tease."
History of Contentious Remarks
The admission becomes particularly noteworthy given Gutfeld's extensive history of targeting Goldberg and her colleagues on The View. In one notable clip from last year, he questioned the intelligence of the show's hosts, asking: "Their brains are small, but who's the dumbest one of all?"
Another instance saw Gutfeld criticizing Goldberg for controversial comments where she compared life in Iran to the experience of Black Americans. At the time, he remarked, "Whoopi once again has been caught, being even dumber than we thought," employing his characteristic rhyming style.
When Marchese responded to Gutfeld's teasing philosophy with the sarcastic remark, "So you must love the women of 'The View,'" the Fox News host confirmed this was actually accurate. "Yes," Gutfeld said. "I adore — I love Whoopi."
Extending the Logic to Other Targets
The conversation continued with Marchese pressing Gutfeld about another frequent target of his commentary: Rosie O'Donnell. "Yeah, Rosie, I love her," the right-wing commentator responded, before clarifying his approach further. "I make fun of everybody that I love, and relentlessly."
Gutfeld attempted to draw a distinction between his style of criticism and what he perceives from political opponents. "The teasing and the ridicule is not 'You're Hitler' or 'You're a fascist,' or an authoritarian," he argued. "If I'm to insult you over the top, it's because it's obviously a joke. But I don't put a target on your back."
Marchese challenged this position as "a little disingenuous," quoting a line from one of Gutfeld's own books that described the left as "dumb, fascist mother-effers." Gutfeld claimed not to remember the specific line but suggested it was likely part of "some kind of, like, paragraph of hyperbole where I was having fun."
The interview reveals the complex dynamics of media personalities who maintain professional relationships despite public disagreements, highlighting how personal admiration can coexist with harsh political commentary in today's polarized media landscape.
