Whoopi Goldberg was noticeably missing from her seat at the table during the Thursday, March 20, episode of The View. Cohost Joy Behar addressed Goldberg’s absence at the very beginning of the hour.

“Whoopi is off today,” Behar shared. “I’m sorry. She’ll be back Monday.” That means that Goldberg will also be missing the Friday, March 21, show, and she gave an update on Instagram to explain why.

<cs-card “=”” class=”card-outer ” id=”native_ad_collapse-inarticle-0″ part=”” size=”_1x_2y”>

call to action icon

After appearing on the Wednesday, March 19, episode, Goldberg took to social media to reveal where she was headed next. She shared a photo of herself sitting in the cockpit of an airplane with two pilots and captioned it, “Thanks to two of my favorite pilots and thank you to @delta. You continue to make me comfortable. Next stop Italy for ‘Women in Food.’”


Whoopi Goldberg heading to Italy and missing The View© Whoopi Goldberg/Instagram

Goldberg is being interviewed at the event, which will honor 20 women in food: chefs, innkeepers, winemakers, food writers, managers, producers, and hotel directors/owners. The symposium is dedicated to “women in food, wine, and hospitality,” according to its organizer, Cook. It will be a quick trip for Goldberg since she left on Wednesday and will be back by Monday.

<cs-card “=”” class=”card-outer ” id=”native_ad_collapse-inarticle-0″ part=”” size=”_1x_2y”>

call to action icon

Back in January, Goldberg also missed a few episodes of The View for an international trip. Following Donald Trump‘s inauguration, she headed to Paris for Fashion Week.

“I did a layout, a fashion layout, for a company called Ami, and apparently, it sort of went through the roof, so they invited me to come and be part of their fashion show in Paris,” she shared at the time. “Which I’m going to do because I’ve had so many comments over my career about how odd my looks are and, ‘Why don’t [you] have eyebrows and you’re so weird looking,’ and the ideas of what beauty is and what beauty isn’t.”

 

Where Is Whoopi? Fans Panic After Goldberg’s Sudden Absence From The View

The View without Whoopi Goldberg just doesn’t feel the same — and this week, audiences are noticing. The Emmy-winning actress, comedian, and longtime moderator of the ABC daytime staple has been suddenly absent, leaving fans across the country buzzing with one urgent question: Where is Whoopi?

A Mysterious Silence

Normally, The View wastes no time updating its loyal viewers when one of the co-hosts is away. But this time, ABC has been unusually quiet, offering no on-air explanation for Goldberg’s absence. The lack of clarity has only intensified speculation, with rumors ranging from illness to behind-the-scenes contract battles — and even whispers that she may be preparing to step away for good.

Fan Reaction: “The Show Isn’t the Same Without Her”

Social media erupted within minutes of Goldberg’s absence being noticed:

“Where’s Whoopi?? The show feels so off without her presence.”
“I hope she’s okay. The silence from ABC is making me nervous.”
“If Whoopi is gone, that’s it for me — she IS The View.”

For many, Goldberg isn’t just a moderator; she’s the anchor that keeps the fiery discussions balanced and the voice of reason that commands the table. Her absence leaves a noticeable void, one that even the strongest guest panelists can’t seem to fill.

Joy Behar of 'The View' Sells Upper West Side Co-op for $3.27M

Rumors Fly Behind the Scenes

Industry insiders have hinted that Goldberg has been weighing her future at ABC for some time. While she remains one of the most recognizable and respected figures in daytime television, the strain of balancing her film work, activism, and the daily grind of live television could be catching up.

“Whoopi has given years of her life to this show,” one source close to production shared. “There’s always been talk about when she might walk away, but the timing of this disappearance has everyone asking if that day is finally here.”

Others whisper about possible disputes with network executives, noting that Goldberg has never been shy about speaking her mind — even when it runs against corporate messaging.

Could Illness Be the Reason?

Fans are also voicing concern about Goldberg’s health. In recent years, she has been candid about her medical struggles, including a near-fatal bout with pneumonia and sepsis in 2019. While there’s no evidence yet that illness is the cause of her current absence, the memory of those past health scares lingers.

The Bigger Picture

The View has weathered countless shake-ups, departures, and feuds throughout its decades-long run. But Goldberg’s role has always been different. Since joining in 2007, she has been the steady, commanding presence at the center of the table. Losing her — whether temporarily or permanently — would mark one of the most dramatic turning points in the show’s history.

What Happens Next?

As ABC remains tight-lipped, the speculation only grows louder. Will Goldberg return with an explanation that puts fans at ease? Or is this absence the first signal that one of television’s most iconic voices is preparing to exit the stage for good?

For now, viewers are left in suspense, tuning in each day in hopes that the familiar sight of Whoopi at the table will once again greet them. Until then, the silence surrounding her disappearance may be the loudest moment The View has ever faced.

👉 Do you want me to expand this further into a 1,000-word feature, including a deep dive into Whoopi’s career milestones on The View and what her exit could mean for the future of the show?