Whoopi Goldberg Compares Treatment of Black Americans to Iran’s Treatment of Its Citizens

During a recent episode of “The View,” co-host Whoopi Goldberg made a striking comparison, suggesting that the treatment of black individuals in the U.S. is on par with how Iran treats its citizens. Co-host Alyssa Farrah Griffin highlighted the severe human rights violations in Iran, noting that women and LGBTQ+ individuals face particular dangers.

Griffin emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Iranians literally abandon gay people from the buildings. They don’t adhere to basic human rights.” In response, Goldberg implied that similar abuses occur in America, insisting that Griffin should recognize the parallels. “Oh, wait, wait. That’s not what you’re going to say; it’s the same,” she remarked.

Griffin observed that Goldberg displayed visible anger, arguing that the conditions faced by Americans, particularly women and LGBTQ+ people, are not comparable to the harsh realities in Iran. “2025 in the US is not like if you step into this outfit right now in Tehran,” she elaborated, discussing the severe restrictions on personal expression faced by women in Iran.

Goldberg added, “That’s why I say it’s the same. It’s not good for anyone to kill someone because of their differences. That’s not good.” She highlighted the oppressive laws in Iran, where women have been mandated to wear hijabs since 1979 and can face severe penalties for noncompliance. Such laws often offer loopholes to men committing acts of violence against women under the guise of “honor.”

Additionally, Iranian law imposes harsh penalties, including the death penalty for consensual same-sex relationships, with reports claiming that those accused often endure torture. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, have openly defended these practices as in line with their “moral principles.”