Whoopi Goldberg claims living under Iranian regime is 'the same' as being black in America

During a heated exchange on The View, co-host Whoopi Goldberg claimed that the experience of black Americans in the United States is equivalent to the conditions faced by citizens under the authoritarian regime in Iran.

The discussion began when co-host Alyssa Farah highlighted the severe human rights violations in Iran, noting that the regime will “literally throw gay people off buildings” and routinely suppresses basic freedoms. She argued that such conditions are vastly different from life in the United States.

Goldberg immediately rejected the comparison, responding that the US is known to “tie gay folks to the car.” She then compared life in Iran to black Americans.

“I’m sorry, they used to just keep hanging black people,” Goldberg said. “It is the same.”

Farah pushed back, emphasizing that Iran in 2025 is nothing like the modern United States. She noted how if she were to walk the streets of Tehran wearing a skirt and her hair showing, she would be severely punished for it. “I think it’s very different to live in the United States in 2025 than it is to live in Iran,” she explained.

Goldberg dismissed the distinction, replying, “Not if you’re black,” a remark that was met with applause from the audience.

“This is the greatest country in the world,” Goldberg continued. “But every day we are worried: do we have to be worried about our kids, are our kids gonna get shot because they’re running through somebody’s neighborhood?” 

Farah replied by acknowledging Goldberg’s criticisms of the US but added, “I think it’s important we remember there are places much darker than this country.”

“Not everyone feels that way,” Goldberg responded, adding that black Americans didn’t receive the right to vote until the 1960s.

Goldberg, who appeared frustrated with the exchange, added that there was no way for her to make Farah understand her argument. The exchange immediately drew attention online, with critics accusing Goldberg of downplaying the severity of life under Iran’s authoritarian rule.