Whoopi Goldberg Defends Controversial Drag Queen Performance at Olympics: ‘Just Turn the TV Off’

In a recent episode of The View, co-host Whoopi Goldberg addressed the controversy surrounding a drag queen performance at the Olympics opening ceremony, which many viewers believed depicted Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.”

Goldberg urged those offended by the act to exercise their choice and simply change the channel.

“If you are not happy with something, and it bothers you, don’t take 20 hours to write an email. Just turn the TV off. Watch something else,” Goldberg remarked.

She felt it was a personal choice to watch the show and dismissed the criticism, noting that the director of the performance had clarified that the tableau was inspired by “The Feast of the Gods,” a 17th-century Dutch painting featuring Greek Olympian gods—a fitting theme for the Olympic Games.

Goldberg’s co-hosts weighed in on the issue, with Sara Haines expressing frustration over religious objections, stressing the importance of intention and understanding the broader message of grace and forgiveness.

Haines highlighted the need for empathy and criticized the tendency to use religious teachings to condemn others.

Ana Navarro shifted the focus to the athletes, stating that the Olympic Games, held every four years, should celebrate the dedication and achievements of young athletes rather than a brief performance segment.

Alyssa Farah Griffin added that opening ceremonies often reflect the host country’s culture, noting the blend of Parisian elements, including references to Marie Antoinette and drag queens, in the event.

She echoed Goldberg’s sentiment, suggesting that viewers uninterested in the content could simply opt not to watch.

Not everyone agreed with the defense of the performance.

Fitness expert Jillian Michaels expressed her disapproval on X, formerly known as Twitter, criticizing the portrayal as a mockery of a sacred scene for over 2 billion Christians.

Michaels called out the hypocrisy she perceived within the LGBTQ+ community, arguing that such actions only serve to build barriers rather than break them down.