“The View” doesn't want to sue anyone.
The co-hosts of the controversial ABC talk show were forced to issue four “legal memos” during Friday's broadcast after they discussed allegations against several of President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet nominees.
The legal briefs – which are disclaimers filed by lawyers for the people involved – relate to on-air remarks made by the show's stars Joy Behar, Sarah Haines, Ana Navarro, Sunny Hostin and Alyssa Farrah Griffin.
During a segment discussing George Santos, Behar brought up the 23 criminal charges against the former congressman, including wire fraud.
Several minutes later, she had to read a message from the show's producers sent to her iPhone.
“One minute, I just got a note,” Behar told the crowd as she looked at her device. “We must clarify that Santos ultimately reached a plea agreement after pleading guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.”
“Is this a legal warrant?” Haines questioned the co-host.
“Sort of, that's an explanation,” Behar replied.
In the same clip, the stars of “The View” discussed the sexual assault allegations against Matt Gaetz, Trump's first secretary general, and his defense secretary, Pete Hegseth.
Co-host Houston was then forced to read the denials provided by the two men's attorneys.
“I have a legal warrant,” she said. “Matt Gaetz has long denied all accusations and has never been charged with any crime.”
“Also, another legal memo,” Hostin continued. “Pete Hegseth's lawyer said he paid the woman [his assault accuser] in 2023 to avoid the threat of a baseless lawsuit. He has denied any wrongdoing. “
Several minutes later, Huston – a former prosecutor – issued a fourth legal disclaimer related to Pam Bondi, Trump's new nominee for attorney general.
“I'm sorry everyone, I have another legal warrant,” Hostin told the crowd, as Behar could be heard moaning: “Oh my God.”
“Both Trump and Bondi have denied quid pro quo allegations that his prior donation played any role in her office’s decision not to take legal action against Trump University when she was Florida’s attorney general,” Hostin stated.
“This show will just be legal briefs and things we sell,” said a frustrated Navarro.
“We'll call it [the show] “The legal memorandum,” Behar said sarcastically.
However, some X users were less amused by the group's series of disclaimers.
“Sunny Hostin had to read another legal retraction for The View,” fumed right-wing comedian Tim Young. “She had to correct their lies about Matt Gaetz and Pete Hegseth…Someone needs to really prosecute these people into oblivion.”
“The View was forced to issue four 'legal memos' today because of their lies against Matt Gaetz, Pam Bondi, George Santos and Pete Hegseth,” another angry viewer claimed. “There is a pattern…they intentionally spread lies about Donald Trump and his allies…only to issue a 'legal memo' minutes later to avoid the truth and legal ramifications.”
Earlier this week, Houston made headlines after she issued a “legal memorandum” with a deadpan expression
