The owner of Holtermann’s Bakery in Staten Island has addressed claims made by “The View” co-host Whoopi Goldberg regarding her refusal to serve cupcakes due to Goldberg’s political views. During the daytime talk show, Goldberg alleged that the bakery rejected her order because of her left-leaning stance.
Jill Holtermann, the bakery’s owner, clarified the situation during a press conference, stating that the bakery was unable to fulfill Goldberg’s order because of a boiler malfunction. Borough President Vito Fossella supported Holtermann’s account, revealing that the bakery has faced ongoing mechanical issues with its 60- to 70-year-old boiler since early November.
Fossella emphasized the bakery’s strong reputation over its 145-year history and criticized Goldberg’s interpretation of the incident. He expressed that the bakery simply chose not to accept an order they could not guarantee.
In the wake of the controversy, Holtermann expressed her gratitude for the tremendous community support she has received. She noted an influx of calls and messages from people across the country, including offers of financial assistance to provide treats to schools. Holtermann said, “The community is the backbone of our business,” highlighting the strong relationships her staff cultivates with customers.
Goldberg had previously mentioned on “The View” that her order had been at risk due to the bakery’s alleged objections to her political beliefs. However, Holtermann clarified that this was not the case and explained that the reason for the hiccup had everything to do with mechanical issues and nothing to do with politics. She confirmed that the bakery managed to produce 50 desserts for the show after resolving their issues.
This incident underscores the importance of community support for local businesses and the often-unplanned challenges they face. Holtermann’s proactive communication and the outpouring of public support illustrate a hopeful resilience in the face of adversity.
In summary, this situation highlights the significance of clear communication and the bonds formed within communities, reminding us all that businesses are often more than just commercial entities; they are woven into the fabric of our neighborhoods.