Whoopi Goldberg's Unusual Response to a Viral Phrase

Whoopi Goldberg and the "Defying Gravity" Moment

Whoopi Goldberg isn't holding space for discussions she doesn't care about. During the November 26 episode of "The View", as her panelists were weighing in on the "holding space" meme that originated after a journalist's use during a press junket, Goldberg playfully checked out of the conversation. She laid her head on her hand and pretended to doze off while her colleagues engaged in the discussion.

Just days after the November 5 election, Tracy E. Gilchrist's words about "holding space" with the lyrics of "Defying Gravity" sparked some confusion among viewers. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the co-stars of "Wicked", were present, and Erivo got visibly emotional in response. This led to the birth of several memes as people started "holding space" for less serious dilemmas.

The "Holding Space" Debate on "The View"

During the "The View" segment, when the talk show personality said she didn't understand the phrase and introduced the Hot Topics discussion by expressing her confusion, panelists Sunny Hostin and Alyssa Farah Griffin recreated the "Defying Gravity" moment by grasping each other's hands. However, Goldberg showed her disinterest by closing her eyes during the conversation.

Hostin explained that, according to Psychology Today, "holding space" is the practice of making space for someone else's experience and centering them, which fosters listening and empathizing. But Joy Behar was confused, and she pointed at a slumbering Goldberg. Hostin chimed in with the comment, "She's holding space for her self-care." A smiling Goldberg then pretended to wake up as the conversation ended and sent the show to an ad break.