New York State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-NY) recently called out “The View” co-host Whoopi Goldberg after using her platform to criticize a small business in New York City. The New York Democrat suggested it was “self-centered” of Goldberg to attack the bakery that was unable to fulfill an order for cupcakes on her birthday. Goldberg had indicated on air that the business may have snubbed her order because of her leftist politics.
During an appearance on “Fox and Friends Weekend,” Scarcella-Stanton said the claims about Holtermann’s Bakery were “ridiculous.” She said, “I think it was such a ridiculous thing to do. Inserting herself into a conversation about a local business and coming after a business, especially as a celebrity, can be incredibly dangerous. But the Staten Island community comes together.”
“It was really self-serving, very self-centered. Businesses aren’t thinking about Whoopi Goldberg, they’re thinking about how to make sure they get out the best pastries as you see them right on the screen in front of you, they were able to get them,” Scarcella-Stanton added. “So, instead of focusing on something positive, she made it about herself.”
Addressing the incident on-air Goldberg said, “Now, I should tell you, Charlotte Russe has no political leanings, and the place that made these refused to make them for me.” Further explaining the situation, she continued, “They said that their ovens had gone down, but folks went and got them anyway, which is why I’m not telling you who made them.”
“It’s not because I’m a woman, but perhaps they did not like my politics,” Goldberg speculated. “But that’s OK because you know what? Listen, this is my mother’s celebration. Pick these up and celebrate with me and my mom. Thank you, everyone, for celebrating my birthday today.”
In other comments, Goldberg said, “It does seem a little odd that when we called a few weeks before my birthday and, we were told they couldn’t process the order for my birthday because of an equipment failure. But somehow they were able to accept an order of a different 48 of the same dessert when somebody else called without using my name.”
However, Goldberg maintained that she still enjoyed her birthday experience despite what she perceived as a possible slight against her politics. “It’s all okay, y’all, because I enjoyed my delicious dessert and I had a happy, sweet birthday. Nothing better than that,” she said.
"*" indicates required fields
Watch Scarcella-Staton’s reaction below:
In the wake of her comments about the business, local leaders have spoken out against Goldberg, calling for her to apologize. Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella said, “Not everybody wakes up every day thinking about politics,” he said. “A good business person doesn’t care about anyone’s politics.” Refraining from calling Goldberg out by name, he added, “Just say you’re sorry so we can put this behind us.”
Holtermann’s Bakery owner Jill Holtermann maintained that the failure to fulfill the order was solely related to equipment issues. After Goldbergs’ comments, Holtermann claimed that she has been overwhelmed by the support from the community and has been bombarded with orders. “I know how hard my family has worked to keep this business alive,” she stated. “I wish my father was here today to see this.”
Note: The featured image is a screenshot from the embedded video.