Tempers Flare on THE VIEW Test Show Taping; Goldberg Lashes Out at Walters

By: Caryn Robbins Aug. 09, 2014

TMZ reports that tempers were flaring during Thursday's "chemistry testing" taping for possible replacements on ABC's THE VIEW. During the filming in front of a live "test" audience, a heated exchange erupted between confirmed View co-host Rosie O'Donnell and CNN's S.E. Cupp, a candidate for a spot on the show.

Production sources at "The View" tell the site that Cupp was part of a "nasty" debate over recent headlines that an Australian couple has requested that their surrogate abort a Down syndrome baby. At some point during the argument, Whoopi jumped into the fray, asking Cupp whether she has ever personally been faced with the difficult decision of abortion, which appeared to put an end to the fireworks. That is until Rosie got in the last word, scolding Cupp, and adding that she didn't want another Elisabeth Hasselbeck on the show.

Following the taping, Goldberg apparently complained in front of producers and potential replacement hosts that she'd been "working with a cranky 85-year-old woman who's mad about everything for 2 years, and I need a break." Those present had no doubt that the barb was directed at View creator and former host Barbara Walters.

Looks like next season is shaping up to be very interesting!