Drama is simmering at ABC as tensions mount between the co-hosts of The View and the network’s latest golden girl, country superstar Carrie Underwood. With a major project on the horizon, Underwood has become a central figure at the network—but not without stirring controversy. Her decision to perform America the Beautiful at President-elect Donald Trump’s January 20 inauguration has ignited a political firestorm, and insiders reveal that ABC is stepping in to shield her from the heat.
According to RadarOnline.com, network executives have issued a clear warning to The View’s famously opinionated panel: Carrie Underwood is strictly off-limits for their usual brand of tough, no-holds-barred questioning. “They’ve made it crystal clear to the ladies of The View—especially the more confrontational ones—that Carrie is not to be targeted,” one insider shared. “Carrie Underwood is a ratings magnet, and ABC knows they can’t afford to alienate her massive fanbase.”
But keeping the co-hosts in line has proved to be no easy task. Tensions boiled over during Tuesday’s episode when Joy Behar blasted Underwood for her decision to perform at Trump’s inauguration. Behar, known for her unapologetically progressive views, didn’t mince words. “She says, ‘I love our country.’ How do you love your country and support and normalize somebody who’s a convicted felon and, in my opinion, wants to destroy the country?” Behar said, referencing Trump’s legal troubles and divisive politics.
The remarks sparked a heated debate among the co-hosts, leaving the panel sharply divided. Alyssa Farah Griffin, the show’s conservative-leaning voice, jumped to Underwood’s defense. “I would not be the person to say don’t do it, because I believe in free speech,” Griffin argued. “I personally would not do it, but no one’s asked me. That’s another story.”
Unmoved, Behar doubled down. “I’d never perform at Trump’s inauguration,” she declared flatly, making it clear she had no intention of softening her stance.
The fireworks on-air have reportedly created serious behind-the-scenes headaches for ABC executives, who are scrambling to protect Underwood from the backlash. According to insiders, the network is desperate to preserve her squeaky-clean image and keep her focused on her music and upcoming projects. “Carrie wants to stay out of the political fray,” a source explained. “She’s not interested in being dragged into drama, and the network is doing everything they can to shield her.”
But managing The View’s strong personalities is proving to be a tall order. “These women are not used to being told what they can and can’t say,” the insider noted. “There’s definitely some resentment building behind the scenes. They feel like they’re being muzzled, and that doesn’t sit well.”
The tension at the network has been further amplified by the unique dynamic of The View itself, where candid discussions and heated debates are part of the show’s DNA. ABC’s directive to tread lightly around Underwood flies in the face of the show’s confrontational style, leaving some of the co-hosts feeling boxed in.
For now, Underwood has chosen to stay silent on the controversy, leaving ABC to play damage control. Her focus, insiders say, remains on her music and her role at the inauguration, not the political noise surrounding her decision. Still, it’s hard to imagine the co-hosts of The View letting this simmer for long without another round of fireworks.