Former co-host of The View, Jenny McCarthy, recently made headlines for her candid remarks about her time on the show. Fellow co-host Sherri Shepherd, who overlapped with McCarthy during her brief tenure in 2013, shared insights about how producers attempted to portray McCarthy as politically savvy. Shepherd humorously noted that instead of coming across as informed, McCarthy appeared more like “a sexy librarian.”
On her own talk show, Sherri, Shepherd recalled that McCarthy was told to wear glasses to enhance her serious image, saying, “What the hell are you wearing glasses for?” Shepherd recounted McCarthy’s response: “They want me to look like I know politics.” Shepherd expressed her disbelief at how they tried to present McCarthy, noting, “They’d try to make Jenny look conservative, but all she looked like was a sexy librarian.”
McCarthy, known for her controversial views on vaccines and her support for former President Donald Trump, recently told Katie Miller on her podcast that she has no intention of returning to The View. She firmly stated, “Over my dead body would I ever step foot in that place,” emphasizing how the heavy political discussions she faced made her time on the show challenging. McCarthy admitted that she was hired to discuss lighter topics, which contrasted sharply with the show’s evolving focus on politics.
Shepherd validated McCarthy’s feelings, recalling her own struggles with similarly uncomfortable discussions during her tenure. She highlighted that the decision to bring McCarthy onto the show stemmed from focus group responses that sought less political bickering. However, when the dynamics shifted, Shepherd noted that McCarthy struggled to adapt, feeling misled by the show’s direction.
Shepherd herself used comedy as a coping mechanism during difficult discussions, which she believes helped her navigate the challenges. In contrast, McCarthy’s discomfort with the political topics often left her feeling out of place on the show.
Overall, McCarthy’s experience reflects the behind-the-scenes pressures cast members face while trying to present themselves authentically in a politically charged environment. It serves as a reminder of the expectations placed on public figures and the complexities involved in navigating personal beliefs and professional obligations.