Whoopi Goldberg's recent comments have ignited controversy surrounding a Staten Island bakery.
During a segment on "The View," Whoopi Goldberg attributed the refusal of Holtermann's Bakery to serve her Charlotte Russe desserts for her 69th birthday to her political beliefs, sparking criticism and disbelief among the bakery's patrons, New York Post reported.
This revered local bakery, which has been integral to the community for over a century, found itself under a media spotlight following Goldberg’s televised claims. The co-host alleged technical issues were initially blamed for not fulfilling her dessert order, which she felt concealed the real motive of political bias.
Many customers of Holtermann's quickly voiced their support, asserting that the refusal to fulfill the order was due to a genuine mechanical failure and not political reasons. They defended the bakery’s long-standing reputation for neutrality in political matters and emphasized the potential damage that such national claims could have on a small business.
Local resident Deborah Bernaz expressed doubts regarding Goldberg's motives for sharing her experience on national TV, questioning the necessity of her journey across New York City for a dessert only to politicize the encounter.
“Now, I should tell you, Charlotte Russe has no political leanings, and the place that made these refused to make them for me,” Goldberg pronounced on her show. She insisted that despite the bakery’s claim of oven issues, the true reason lay in her political views.
Skepticism among the bakery's patrons grew as some highlighted Goldberg's recent portrayal of herself as a working-class individual, despite her substantial financial resources. Goldberg herself commented on her financial situation in a manner trying to connect with the general public facing economic difficulties.
Several patrons outright rejected Goldberg’s accusations as baseless and harmful. One anonymous customer warned of the severe implications such statements could have for Holtermann’s: “She can basically put a place out of business by saying those comments live like that. It’s absolutely ridiculous.”
Another customer mentioned their positive experiences at the bakery and reiterated the non-political nature of the incident: “I think that’s bull****. They’ve always been pleasant. They had a mechanical issue here, and they couldn’t deliver. It is what it is.”
The resolute defense by community members and customers points to a deep-rooted loyalty to Holtermann’s Bakery, underscoring the critical role small businesses play in their communities and the potential dangers they face from unfounded public criticism.
Voicing disbelief and disappointment, another resident dismissed the idea that the bakery’s service decision had any political undertones: “I read she tried to order stuff and made a comment that she didn’t get served because of her political stance. That’s disgusting. Unbelievable, give me a break.”
Lucy D’Amato added a personal note on Goldberg’s character from her perspective, suggesting other reasons behind the service refusal: “They would never do that. I’m not going to get into detail, but she’s not a nice person.”
The controversy remains heavily discussed within the community and beyond as people weigh Goldberg’s claims against the staunch support for Holtermann’s Bakery. This incident not only highlights the intersection of celebrity influence and small business operations but also prompts a broader dialogue on the role of politics in daily American life.
