Disney’s The View Applauds Anthony Weiner’s Return Amid Controversy

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This week, the daytime program on Disney’s network known as “The View” reached a record low point by giving a warm reception to the disgraced ex-congressman, Anthony Weiner, who has been embroiled in scandal – instead of pressing him for accountability, they offered applause.

For people not aware, Weiner isn’t solely recognized due to a series of personal scandals that ended his political journey. He served jail time for transmitting inappropriate content to a minor, an offense that landed him on a federal registry reserved for individuals convicted of similar acts involving improper conduct.

And yet The View, a show under Disney’s umbrella, handed him the red carpet treatment.

As soon as he stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere was filled with laughter. Comically, Joy Behar referred to his time in prison, saying things like “Anthony, when you were released from the jail,” in a humorous way, adding levity to the matter.

The audience clapped.

The hosts laughed along.

Among all the hosts, it was only Ana Navarro who didn’t join in the applause. She remained seated, with her hands folded, appearing uneasy throughout the interview. Despite this discomfort, she took the time to recount Weiner’s numerous scandals and criminal acts in a tone that lacked enthusiasm.

In the discussion about Navaro’s wrongdoings, there was never a thorough examination of Weiner’s past mistakes. Instead, Weiner was given the opportunity to frame his actions as a “journey.” He drew comparisons with Andrew Cuomo and President Donald Trump, asserted personal development, and presented himself as a truth-teller in a corrupt system.

In the interview, although Weiner maintained he wasn’t there to offer explanations, a significant portion of the conversation was actually spent on making justifications. He referenced personal hardships such as the death of his brother, attributed his actions to a need for validation, and used general terms instead of explicitly labeling his past behaviors.

At some point, he proposed that people should vote for him based on his supposed personal journey. It seemed like the fact that this journey led him to federal prison made him qualified for public office. However, this wasn’t about taking responsibility for his actions. Instead, it was a cleverly designed effort to repair his image, presented with just the right amount of remorse to earn approval.

He attempted to make the truth more palatable by using unrealistic phrases such as “occasionally, it wasn’t quite appropriate…” when discussing his dealings with others.

Instead of simply labeling it “inappropriate,” I’d say it crossed the line into being illegal, and using vague terminology when describing it is exactly how one might attempt a comeback without fully confronting the consequences of their actions in the public eye.

The boldest point during the interview was when Weiner tried to reinterpret his conviction as a form of spiritual trial, even drawing parallels with Catholicism.

He mentioned, “I’m Jewish, yet there’s a belief within Catholicism that pain and suffering serve a purpose – it allows us to offer help afterwards.

This action doesn’t represent spiritual growth; rather, it’s manipulating one’s faith for the sake of returning to public life. Using religious terminology like atonement and service in connection with a minor-related conviction is highly inappropriate. It trivializes grave misconduct into a learning experience, and even more troubling, it twists theology to paint himself as a penitent figure who’s emerged stronger after enduring hardship.

In narratives such as these, it’s often the victims who bear the brunt of the pain, yet they are frequently overlooked in discussions like that one. Weiner’s comments didn’t show humility; instead, they were strategically crafted and deeply insulting to those who believe that true redemption starts with quiet introspection rather than seeking attention.

Everything about it appeared as an unusual take on atonement, seeming to minimize the gravity of his deeds. Even Joy Behar on The View and Disney/ABC were part of this narrative.

Or:

It felt like a strange version of forgiveness that seemed to underestimate the seriousness of his misdeeds. Both Joy Behar from The View and Disney/ABC were involved in this storyline.

So why would he do that? The answer appears simple: he says the “right” things about Trump.

On numerous occasions, Weiner likened himself to the ex-president, implying that his predicament was less severe due to him acknowledging accountability for his actions. The hosts of “The View” seemed to agree.

When he spoke critically of Trump, there were rounds of applause. However, when he discussed his aspirations for a comeback in public service, there was little resistance or significant opposition voiced.

At some point, he referred to himself as “Quite a skilled politician.” In response, one of the show’s hosts (I believe it was Behar, although I’m not certain) agreed by saying, “Yes, indeed you are.

Apologies for the interruption, but I must express my astonishment! Isn’t that shocking? It seems we have reached an unprecedented level here! The man in question sent inappropriate images to a girl who was only 15 years old. Regardless of his impressive voting record or skillful campaigning abilities, this action is unacceptable and overshadows any other considerations.

On ‘The View,’ Anthony Weiner wasn’t merely given an opportunity to speak; he was given approval. The studio audience, following the instructions of the applause sign, obliged promptly. Essentially, what Disney and their talk show did was a malicious, deliberate distortion of history in real-time, camouflaged as daytime television.

At some stage, Sara Haines openly accepted his storyline, querying whether exchanging inappropriate messages with strangers could be likened to a preferred vice or habit.

She then followed it up with the question, “have you been able to stay clean?”

This statement implies that Weiner’s past actions were largely excused or justified, suggesting they weren’t the result of personal responsibility but rather an unfortunate occurrence like catching a cold. It is acceptable for individuals like Weiner to make excuses; however, it becomes problematic when national television figures endorse these excuses, especially with funding from family-friendly networks such as Disney.

As a devoted viewer, I can’t help but feel a sense of dismay when moments like Joy Behar’s shift in discussion stand out. Her strange transition into a gendered critique, where she highlighted a series of political figures embroiled in scandals and all happened to be men, struck a chord that seems to underscore the moral decay within this sphere.

She wondered aloud, “Why isn’t it these two well-qualified women who have managed to outperform all of you gentlemen?” She grouped Anthony Weiner alongside individuals such as Cuomo, Clinton, Trump, and Spitzer, seeming to imply that their commonality was merely their gender rather than the serious misconduct each had been associated with.

She never brought up the genuine cause for him being unfit to hold public office due to his past criminal activities with a minor; instead, the discussion turned into a politically-focused lecture on why it’s more challenging for men to lose elections. The real issue at hand, his misconduct involving a minor, was deliberately overlooked and not addressed.

Amazingly and maddeningly, that situation provided Anthony Weiner with a chance to become an advocate for women instead.

The same individual, who confessed to sending inappropriate messages to 84 people, including one who was only 15, was now deeply contemplating the hurdles women encounter in politics. He discussed his ex-wife Huma Abedin’s experiences, the criticism of Hillary Clinton’s laughter, and how women are unjustly judged for aspects ranging from their speech to their attire.

At first glance, there’s nothing inherently incorrect about what he said, but given who it was coming from, it felt inappropriate. This wasn’t a person honestly confronting their past mistakes; instead, it appeared as if he was deliberately using progressive terminology to portray himself as forward-thinking, rehabilitated, and worthy of a second opportunity.

As far as I’m concerned, they gave me the green light to proceed. There was no obstacle in my path. In fact, they paved the way for me to do it! They didn’t question the paradox. Instead, they cheered it on!

They provided him with a comfortable seat and a subsequent scene where he had the opportunity to show off moral superiority, all while the woman whose life was influenced by his deeds remained unacknowledged.

As a movie buff, I’ve got to say it like it is: If this person were on the right side of the political spectrum with the same track record, they wouldn’t even be allowed within earshot of a Disney-owned talk show (and rightfully so!). They’d face nothing but tough questions, no laughter, no applause. They would be considered uninvited and unwelcome.

However, Anthony Weiner seems to articulate views in line with what’s considered correct by “The View”. He criticizes certain individuals, including labeling Donald Trump as a 34-time convicted felon. This seemingly satisfies the Disney executives who run “The View”.

This isn’t just a double standard. It’s a signal.

The corporate media often conveys that if one’s beliefs align with certain perspectives, they can be almost entirely pardoned for various misdeeds. They might be repositioned as a compassionate figure. Their past actions could be portrayed as a courageous resurgence rather than acknowledging the true victims who suffered as a result. This is typically done without directly addressing or empathizing with those who were actually impacted.

It’s only fair for the public to expect more, particularly from a business that touts its commitment to families, children, and honesty.

If Weiner desires to reconstruct his personal life in private, that’s entirely up to him. However, it seems inappropriate for a company known for promoting family values to offer him a daytime television platform as a comeback story. This appears to be more than just a lack of sensitivity.

It’s a disgrace.

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2025-06-02 21:57