The actress and TV host claimed bakery refused service because ‘they did not like my politics’
On a recent episode of The View, Whoopi Goldberg alleged that a Staten Island bakery declined to fulfill her birthday order due to her political views. The claim came as Goldberg celebrated her 69th birthday with her co-hosts, featuring Charlotte Russe desserts—a nostalgic New York treat she fondly remembered as her late mother’s favorite.
During the show, Goldberg shared that her order nearly didn’t happen, saying the bakery had provided various excuses, including “their ovens had gone down.” She further suggested that the refusal stemmed from her outspoken liberal stance, not her gender, and refrained from naming the bakery.
“They did not like my politics,” Goldberg stated. Despite the alleged snub, her team managed to secure the desserts, prompting Goldberg to encourage everyone to enjoy them in honor of her mother’s memory.
Entertainment Weekly later identified the bakery as Holtermann’s Bakery, a family-owned Staten Island establishment operating for 145 years. The packaging of the desserts reportedly gave it away—pink polka dots on white paper cups, a signature of Holtermann’s.
What did the owner of the bakery say?
Jill Holtermann, the bakery’s owner, has firmly denied Goldberg’s accusations. Speaking to the media, Holtermann explained that mechanical issues with their aging boiler had complicated operations. Built in 1930, their building has been grappling with infrastructure challenges, which made it difficult to commit to large orders.
“I told Whoopi, ‘I can’t do it right now,’ because we were dealing with boiler issues,” Holtermann said. She emphasized that her response had nothing to do with Goldberg’s political leanings. Despite the initial hesitation, the bakery ultimately fulfilled the order, preparing 50 Charlotte Russe desserts, which were picked up in time for the show’s taping.
Holtermann expressed frustration over the backlash her bakery has faced since Goldberg’s comments aired. She revealed that her business has been “bombarded” with calls, adding, “I didn’t want to make a commitment that I can’t carry through, especially with the challenges we’re facing.”
While Goldberg hinted at political motives behind the ordeal, Holtermann maintains that the delay was purely due to technical difficulties, leaving the small business caught in the crossfire of a public dispute.
