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Barbara WaltersBarbara Walters is not happy with how ABC has handled “The View” since her retirement in May 2014. The TV icon, who created the show in 1997 and is an executive producer, reportedly believes execs have “ruined” her legacy.
“Instead of focusing on smart, educated women with strong talent, they cast uninformed child actors,” a source told Fox News, adding that “the legacy has been compromised because of poor casting and bad leadership under ABC News.”
Walters’ comments seemed to be throwing shade at co-hosts Raven-Symoné and Candace Cameron Bure, as they were famous child actors. However, since the last few months saw both of them announcing their plans to leave the series, Walters may be relieved.
READ MORE: #WomenThatDo: Barbara Walters
Her frustrations with the direction of the series seemed reflected in her decision not to return for a post-election special this year, which brought back original hosts Debbie Matenopoulos, Meredith Vieira, Joy Behar, and Star Jones.
And back in May 2015 Walters criticized the series for pitting Rosie O’Donnell and Whoopi Goldberg against each other, saying the combination was “not peaches and cream” and that the show didn’t need it, according to People.
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The show has since been plagued with rumors of drama, following cast shakeups that included the departures of O’Donnell, Nicolle Wallace, Rosie Perez, and Michelle Collins. Goldberg also has plans to leave, telling Wendy Williams in September that she will “probably not” be returning for another season.
Despite the persisting reports of drama, an ABC rep insisted that there was no bad blood, saying, “There’s no better producer than Barbara Walters, and we’re always grateful for her notes about the show. The ratings are up, and we’re very proud of the team.”
