1 month ago
Whoopi Goldberg made an explosive announcement during The View's July 6 episode while trapped in Sicily due to ongoing eruptions from Italy's active Mount Etna volcano.
By Brett M Malec Jul 06, 2026 5:54 PM | Updated 34 minutes ago
Joy Behar Announces Hiatus From 'The View'
Whoopi Goldberg experienced a very different kind of fireworks light up the sky this Fourth of July.
The View cohost's Independence Day holiday in Italy took an unexpected turn after Sicily's active volcano Mount Etna erupted with activity over the weekend, leaving her and other tourists stranded on the Mediterranean Island.
Of course, Whoopi's travel woes meant she was unfortunately absent from the ABC morning show's July 6 broadcast, which saw Joy Behar return from a recently announced hiatus to fill in for the missing panel member.
"So you may be asking, ‘Why am I here on a Monday?’ I asked myself the same question," Joy announced at the top of the broadcast alongside Sunny Hostin and Alyssa Farah Griffin. "But [producer] Brian [Teta] begged me to come in—on his knees, where he belongs. Why? Because we are down three cohosts today."
Joy hilariously added, "Whoopi is using the old volcano excuse."
They then played a video sent by Whoopi explaining her predicament.
"I am in Sicily right now, and Mount Etna, who is one of our active volcanoes here in Italy, decided to go off today,” the Sister Act star recounted. "We have spent most of the day trying to get back to the United States and all of the airports are closed here. So I will be back as soon as I can."
"I know that we got all kinds of stories about our different vacations," the 70-year-old added. "Well, I think my story just takes the cake. A volcano ate my homework!"
As for why cohosts Sara Haines and Ana Navarro also missed the post-July 4 episode? Let's just say they were also impacted by the summer weather conditions, just with a little less lava and ash.
Instagram/Whoopi Goldberg
As Joy joked to viewers, "Ana is stuck in Miami because of weather. It’s always hot there, what’s the problem?” Behar explained.
Meanwhile, "Sara is dealing with storm damage," the 83-year-old continued. "How many people are dealing with storm damage? Anybody in this group? No, just Sara!"
Ana also addressed her absence from the July 6 show after spending hours at the airport trying to return to New York City from Florida.
"I’m sorry I won’t be there tomorrow," the 54-year-old told fans on Instagram. "I’m sure the other ladies will have great, insightful things to say. Take a little time to enjoy The View without me."
Speaking of sparks flying, keep reading to see how more stars celebrated the Fourth of July holiday.
Alex Tamargo, Getty Images for Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas
Pitbull
Mr. Worldwide brought the Fourth of July energy to the Bahamas as he performed 2025 Atlantis: LIVE Music Making Waves concert series in Atlantis Paradise Island.
Kristin Cavallari & Camden Cutler
The Honestly Cavallari star threw up a peace sign as she celebrated the holiday with her eldest son, whom she shares with ex Jay Cutler.
Giovanna LaValle, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi & Lorenzo LaValle
The reality star made shore to include her kids in her 4th of July festivities.
As Ever/Instagram
Meghan Markle
The As Ever founder put her product to work for the perfect holiday charcuterie spread.
CJ Foeckler
Fortune Feimster
The comedian helped Johnsonville throw a birthday celebrating, leading a sing-along while the world's first sausage-themed drone show lit up the sky at Summerfest in Milwaukee.
Courtesy of The Surf Lodge & NYLON
Ashtin Earle
The influencer attended the NYLON Residency at The Surf Lodge in Montauk, N.Y.
Olivia Culpo/Instagram
Olivia Culpo
Baby on board. The former Miss Universe contestant shared a glimpse into her celebration amid her pregnancy with her and husband Christian McCaffrey's first baby.
Khloe Kardashian/Instagram
Dream Kardashian, True Thompson & Tatum Thompson
Cousin love! Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna's daughter Dream joined Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson's kids True and Tatum for some 4th fun.
Khloe Kardashian/Instagram
Khloe Kardashian
The Khloe in Wonder Land podcast host pulled out all the stops for her Fourth of July celebration.
Khloe Kardashian/Instagram
True Thompson & Khloe Kardashian
Sweeter than ice cream. The mother-daughter duo posed for a selfie amid the Fourth of July fun.
Dominic Carter
Nelly
So hot in herre. The rapper performed at Zouk LA as part of the nightclub's Independence Day weekend festivities.
Danny Moder/Instagram
Julia Roberts & Danny Moder
The couple celebrated the Fourth of July and their 23rd anniversary. As Danny wrote in a July 4th Instagram post, "The fun continues… and a happy 4th to all."
Courtesy of Mountain Dew
Cole Swindell
The country singer handed out Mountain Dew to Fourth of July weekenders at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.
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