‘The Shade In Sunny’s Face!’: Whoopi Leaves Viewers Confused When She Says Black Americans Received Reparations with ’20 Acres and a Mule;’ Sunny Tries In Vain to Correct Her Co-Host

Whoopi Goldberg caused a stir on “The View” when she mistakenly claimed that Black folks received “20 acres and a mule” as reparations after slavery ended. Goldberg made the misinformed comment during a segment about Rev. Al Sharpton rallying against Florida’s Stop Woke Act. 

Goldberg and her co-hosts Sunny Hostin, Joy Behar and Ana Navarro were discussing the Tallahassee protests against Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and his Stop Woke Act, which restricts race discussions in schools, colleges and workplaces.

After noting DeSantis’ attack on African-American AP studies in the state, Goldberg jumped to the topic of reparations.

“You’re worried about the reparations, you’re worried that Black people want reparations,” she said starting at the 6:15 mark. “We, we have American reparations,” said Goldberg. “It started with 20 acres and a mule. There’s more to do.”

“They never got it,” noted Behar, to which Goldberg replied, “We did get it. That’s how my family got Florida land.”

Hostin replied with a confused expression, “Y’all got 40 acres and a mule? Because we didn’t get none.”

Goldberg went on to say, “Maybe that’s because your people didn’t come and sit on the front and say ‘We’re not moving until you give us what we’re owed.’ “

“Maybe. I don’t know,” said Hostin, as she looked at her co-hosts and laughed. Goldberg replied, “Well, you know. You know, but they weren’t really looking for you, but they were looking for my folks and my folks got it, and that’s because that was what was promised. We pay reparations to many different groups in this country, and have.”