Why Barbara Walters And Elisabeth Hasselbeck Didn't Get Along

According to CNN, Barbara Walters died in her sleep on December 30, closing 2022 on a sour note. Walter's tragic death marked the end of an inspiring journalistic legacy, which broke down barriers for all women in journalism. After successful stints on "Today," and "ABC Evening News" Walters became known for conducting direct, hard-hitting interviews with some of the world's most high-ranking public figures. Walters is also revered for creating "The View," a panel-format show, which first premiered in August of 1997. 

While a variety of women — including Star Jones, Joy Behar, and Whoopi Goldberg — have served as Walter's co-panelists over the years, it's clear that Walters was the head honcho until she left "The View" in 2014, per CNN. And while "The View" has been lauded for giving a diverse group of women a platform to debate about politics, religion, and entertainment (and inspiring "The Talk" and "The Real" to follow them) it also became a haven for controversial, sometimes uncomfortable discussions. One of the most memorable confrontations occurred in 2006, after Walters and Hasselbeck butted heads during a segment concerning morning-after pills, per Variety — an event which signaled that they may not have been as close as the show lead viewers to believe.

"The View" has always been a hub for drama. However, things got particularly heated in 2006 as Walters and Hasselbeck debated about a form of birth control known as morning-after pills, which became available without a prescription that year.. Hasselbeck argued passionately about how she believed the medicine shouldn't be sold over the counter. And while Walters didn't necessarily disagree, she did check Hasselbeck for her tone. "Elisabeth, calm down, dear," said Walters. She added, "I think the most important thing, which is what we see today, has been that we have to be able to have these discussions and listen to other people's onions. And not go crazy."

Hasselbeck was not pleased. As the show went to commercial break, Hasselbeck tore up her note cards and stormed backstage. Footage of the event, published by Variety in 2019, shows Hasselbeck arguing with Joy Behar and threatening to quit. Hasselbeck can be heard saying, "F*** that! I'm not going to sit there and get reprimanded on the air. It's not ok to sit there and get reprimanded on the air." After much coaxing from a producer, Hasselbeck returned as she and Walters played nice for the cameras.

Hasselbeck would spend the next seven years with "The View" before departing in 2007, per the Christian Science Monitor.

Even though Barbara Walters and Elisabeth Hasselbeck hit a rough patch, Hasselbeck had nothing but kind things to say bout the late journalist amid her recent passing. Following the news, Hasselbeck took to Instagram to pay tribute to Walters. I love you Barbara," wrote Hasselbeck. "GOD is in this story. I have a few words tonight- and will be ready to honor you tomorrow Dec 31 at 9am EST (10central) on Fox and friends. It will be an honor to be broadcasting about your love and legacy."

Hasselbeck, like the majority of the former co-panelists, also recently returned to "The View" (via video chat) to honor the late queen. "That is great. We could've used that over the years, at the table of 'The View.' Or stop talking, maybe that one we could've used, too, right." She continued, "Clearly Barbara has touched so many of her lives, on so many levels."
And while Hasselbeck admits that they had a "layered relationship," she also revealed that Walters was "contagiously, compassionately, and curious."