Leaders from Staten Island are calling for an apology from Whoopi Goldberg, following her recent claims that Holtermann’s Bakery refused to serve her desserts because of her political beliefs. This beloved bakery, which has been a staple in the community for 145 years, experienced a significant influx of orders after Goldberg’s controversial remarks.
During a recent broadcast of “The View,” Goldberg asserted that the bakery declined to fulfill her order for Charlotte Russe desserts, stating it was due to her left-leaning politics. The bakery’s owner, Jill Holtermann, clarified that the refusal was not politically motivated; instead, it was due to mechanical problems with their 60-year-old oven at the time she made her request for her birthday celebration.
Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella expressed strong disapproval of Goldberg’s allegations, labeling them defamatory toward a family business that is well-respected both locally and nationally. He emphasized the importance of standing up for small businesses, noting, “Not everybody wakes up every day and thinks about politics.”
Despite the negative attention, the response to Goldberg’s comments has been overwhelmingly positive for Holtermann’s Bakery. Owner Jill Holtermann reported being “overwhelmed” by the support, with calls from as far away as Alabama and Tennessee, as people sought to place orders to benefit local schools and first responders. With donations of baked goods pouring in, customers lined up outside the bakery to show their solidarity.
The incident highlights a community rallying around a cherished business while showcasing how quickly public sentiment can shift to support local establishments in the face of adversity. Borough President Fossella summed up the mood, stating, “Judging by the line today, I think the one simple message is: You don’t mess with Staten Island.”
In a time where small businesses face unprecedented challenges, this incident serves as a reminder of the power of community support and the resilience of family-run operations. Holtermann’s Bakery has turned a moment of crisis into an opportunity for strengthening community bonds and boosting local business.
In summary, while the situation began with a controversial statement, it has ultimately resulted in a wave of support for Holtermann’s Bakery, demonstrating that when one local business is challenged, many rally to lift it up.