Iranian Dissidents Rebuke Whoopi Goldberg Over US-Iran Comparison

Whoopi Goldberg sparked outrage after comparing the experiences of Black Americans to life under Iran’s theocratic regime during a heated exchange on The View. Iranian dissidents, including Dr. Sheila Nazarian, whose family fled Iran in 1985, criticized the comparison as deeply misguided. “Life under Iran’s authoritarian regime is night and day different from the challenges faced by Black Americans in the U.S.,” Nazarian said. She highlighted Iran’s systematic oppression, including executions of gay individuals and imprisonment of women for defying Islamic dress codes. Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, also rejected Goldberg’s remarks, emphasizing the opportunities available to Black Americans in the U.S. “I’m a direct descendant of a slave, and I’m being judged by the content of my character, not the color of my skin,” Hunt said. Meanwhile, Real Time host Bill Maher called for accountability, suggesting Democrats should address The View’s content. Goldberg’s comments have reignited debates about cultural relativism and the sensitivity required when comparing human rights struggles. Critics argue that her remarks trivialize the severe oppression faced by Iranians under the Islamic regime.

Published: 6/23/2025