In a stunning legal bombshell that is shaking Hollywood and daytime TV, Erika Kirk, a 38-year-old production assistant on ABC’s show The View , has filed a $90 million defamation lawsuit against co-host Whoopi Goldberg. The lawsuit alleges that Goldberg maliciously twisted an “innocent backstage hug” into an adultery scandal during a live episode on October 28, destroying Kirk’s reputation and career overnight.
Kirk’s complaint, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that Goldberg – without evidence – accused her of “stealing husbands” on air. “She turned an innocent hug into an adultery scandal that didn’t even exist – not even on an alternate timeline,” Kirk’s lawyer stated in the lawsuit, demanding $50 million in damages and $40 million in punitive damages.
The incident stemmed from a viral clip in which Goldberg, 70, joked about the “behind-the-scenes drama” involving a “young employee hugging married producers too tightly.” Viewers quickly identified Kirk through social media investigation, generating #ErikaHomewrecker trends and death threats that forced her into hiding.
Legal experts call the $90 million figure “emotionally ambitious,” but feasible under California defamation law, citing proven malice. “Goldberg didn’t name names, but the context was absolutely clear,” said attorney Lisa Bloom, who was not involved but commented publicly. “This could set a precedent for implied defamation in entertainment.”
Kirk, a single mother of two from Pasadena, lost her job hours after the incident. ABC cited “toxicity concerns,” but internal sources say the pressure from Goldberg’s team sealed her fate. “I gave a farewell hug to a colleague – that’s it,” Kirk tearfully told TMZ outside the courthouse. “Whoopi ruined my life in terms of ratings.”
Goldberg’s representative responded: “That’s frivolous. Whoopi was joking about general Hollywood gossip, without targeting anyone.” However, sources close to the issue reveal panic – producers reportedly deleted the episode from Hulu and issued internal memos warning against “personal stories.”
The lawsuit details the emotional suffering: Kirk’s children faced bullying at school, his fiancé called off their engagement, and sponsorships ended. “From respected AP to national villain overnight,” the document states, attaching therapy bills that already total $45,000.
Social media exploded with #JusticeForErika (2.1 million posts) versus #WhoopiWasRight (890,000). Celebrities got involved: Meghan McCain tweeted in support of Kirk, while Joy Behar defended Goldberg on air: “It was comedy, not a conspiracy.”
Analysts predict a sell-off. “ABC doesn’t want to be exposed – emails and text messages could expose more,” said entertainment lawyer Bryan Sullivan. Goldberg’s net worth ($60 million) and the drop in ratings (down 18%) add pressure.
Kirk is seeking a public apology and damages. “Money won’t heal the scars, but accountability can,” she said. Trial scheduled for March 2026 – unless it is settled quietly.
This case highlights the fine line between humor and harm in daytime television. While Kirk fights back, one question remains: was it just a joke… or professional murder?
For updates on Erika Kirk Whoopi Goldberg’s $90 million defamation lawsuit and The View 2025 scandal, stay tuned.
