Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Barbara Corcoran apologises to Whoopi Goldberg for on-air joke about her weight

‘I now realise it wasn’t funny,’ said ‘Shark Tank’ star

Ellie Harrison
Friday 08 October 2021 08:16 BST
Comments
Whoopi Goldberg and Barbara Corcoran
Whoopi Goldberg and Barbara Corcoran (Shutterstock)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Shark Tank judge Barbara Corcoran has apologised after making an on-air joke about Whoopi Goldberg’s weight.

The TV star, who appears on a Dragons Den-style show in the US, joined Oscar winner Goldberg on her chat show The View, where the discussion turned to size-inclusive jeans.

Sister Act star Goldberg, 65, said she was keen to try them before she jokingly asked if they would fit her body post-pandemic.

Businesswoman Corcoran, 72, said: “When you get finished with those jeans, and decide you don’t like them, give them to me. I’m going to make two pairs.”

The View host Goldberg appeared visibly unamused before her co-star Ana Navarro made a jab at Corcoran’s floral dress.

“Whoopi, let me just tell you something,” she said. “Both Sara Haines and Jill Biden wore that dress already on TV.”

Following a backlash online and accusations she had “body-shamed” Goldberg, Corcoran shared a video apology.

“I just came back from The View and saw my old friend Whoopi,” the entrepreneur said.

“She has a phenomenal sense of humour and I’ve known Whoopi for years. I made a joke at Whoopi’s expense, which I now realise wasn’t funny.

“For anyone who I may have offended unintentionally, I just want to say I really am very sorry.”

Additional reporting by Press Association

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in