Greg Gutfeld Says He’s a Whoopi Goldberg Fan — Despite Years of On-Air Mockery

Fox News host Greg Gutfeld has built an on-air persona around sharp, often cutting commentary about media figures he disagrees with. But in a revelation that has surprised critics and supporters alike, Gutfeld says he harbors far more affection for Whoopi Goldberg — the longtime moderator of ABC’s The View — than anyone might expect.

In a wide-ranging interview with The New York Times, published Saturday, Gutfeld spoke candidly about the targets of his regular teasing, insisting that behind the sarcastic barbs lies genuine fondness rather than animosity.

“I love Whoopi,” Gutfeld said plainly, a statement that immediately caught the interviewer, and readers, off guard.

The declaration came as Gutfeld explained his philosophy of humor, particularly the distinction he draws between teasing and true dislike. “I genuinely like people that I tease,” he said. “In fact, if you want to know the people I don’t like, it’s the people that I don’t tease.”

For journalist David Marchese, who conducted the interview, the comment seemed almost incompatible with Gutfeld’s history of attacking Goldberg and her colleagues. “So you must love the women of The View,” Marchese replied, a remark that Gutfeld confirmed — not with sarcasm, but sincerity.

“Yes,” he said. “I adore — I love Whoopi.”

The remark stands out, given that Gutfeld has spent years lambasting the hosts of The View, often in harsh or mocking segments on his programs. As a co-host of Fox News’ The Five and the host of the late-night show Gutfeld!, he frequently turns his criticism of the panel into comedic set pieces, jabs, and occasionally rhyming insults aimed directly at Goldberg and her co-hosts.

In one on-air bit last year, Gutfeld quipped, “Their brains are small, but who’s the dumbest one of all?” — a mocking rhyme aimed at the panel as a whole. In another segment, reacting to Goldberg’s controversial comparison between life in Iran and life in the United States for Black Americans, Gutfeld said, “Whoopi once again has been caught, being even dumber than we thought.” As he noted in his Times interview, he often frames such segments theatrically, leaning heavily into comedic exaggeration.

Still, Gutfeld’s admission raises questions about where his humor ends and his real opinions begin. His comments echo a philosophy common among comedians who insist that teasing is an expression of familiarity — even affection — not hatred. For Gutfeld, mocking the political and cultural commentary of the hosts of The View appears to fall squarely within that category.

But while he may view his jokes as playful, the relationship between Gutfeld and The View is anything but reciprocal. The ABC talk show, widely seen as left-leaning, has frequently criticized Fox News programming, including Gutfeld personally. This ideological chasm has often made the back-and-forth feel more combative than comedic.

Political observers note that Gutfeld’s interview sheds light on the increasingly theatrical nature of political entertainment. What viewers interpret as genuine hostility may, for many television figures, be more akin to professional sparring — a performance shaped for ratings, audiences, and the rhythms of political satire.

Yet fans of both Goldberg and Gutfeld were quick to react online. Some expressed skepticism, pointing to the years of pointed remarks that went far beyond lighthearted teasing. Others found the admission refreshing, noting that American politics has reached a point where even a hint of goodwill between ideological opponents feels surprising.

Gutfeld’s comments also highlight his evolution as a television personality. Over the years, he has leaned further into sharp commentary, but has simultaneously expressed an interest in humanizing his role, insisting that provocative humor does not always reflect personal animosity. His remarks about Goldberg could be seen as an attempt to soften his image or to remind audiences that part of political media is performance.

For Goldberg, whose long career includes acting, comedy, activism, and more than a decade on The View, Gutfeld’s admiration may come as a surprise — though perhaps not an unwelcome one. She has been both praised and criticized for her bold, unapologetic statements, and has never shied away from addressing controversy head-on. Whether she responds to Gutfeld’s comments remains to be seen.

Ultimately, Gutfeld’s three unexpected words — “I love Whoopi” — do more than stir curiosity. They open a small window into the complexities behind political commentary and media rivalries. For all the televised sparring, scripted segments, and sharp-edged jokes, there may be more mutual respect among on-air opponents than viewers assume.

Whether this revelation marks a shift in tone or simply a peek behind the curtain of media theatrics, one thing is clear: even in the polarized world of modern cable news, admiration can come from the unlikeliest corners.