The View co-host Sunny Hostin sparked controversy on Monday after stating that seeing American flags in certain neighborhoods can make her feel unsafe.
During a discussion about a July 4 photograph showing a Black woman on the Washington Metro surrounded by masked members of the white nationalist group Patriot Front, Hostin said the image represents the fear Black Americans experience.
“That for me was a defining image of modern America for a Black American,” said Hostin, who is Black and Puerto Rican.
“As a Black woman, I'm sitting there in my country, and that's the type of fear I have to experience.”
Hostin then recalled a previous comment she made on the show about the flag's symbolism.
“There are times when I walk into a community, and I see American flags all over the community, and I suddenly feel unsafe,” she explained.
She argued that a segment of the population has co-opted the flag to align with white supremacy.
“Because there's a section of this country that has co-opted the American flag, and they equate being an American or an American flag with White supremacy, and that should never be the symbol of White supremacy,” Hostin continued.
“But they have weaponized [the flag].”
Hostin compared the masked protesters to the Ku Klux Klan, saying their headwear resembles hoods due to the flag on their apparel.
“You might as well have a hood on, because that's what it looks like, that's what it feels like,” she remarked.
Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin agreed the flag belongs to all Americans but criticized the protesters for hiding their faces.
“By the way, show your face. These losers need to take off their masks,” Griffin said.
“Show your face if you're going to be a bigot.”
Griffin also condemned extremism on both sides, comparing the marchers to far-left demonstrations.
“The same hateful marchers who are bigoted anti-semites we saw in D. C.
, that is how Jews feel when they say globalize the intifada and they are marching through the streets,” she added.
“We need to call it out if it's the far left or the far right. Take your bigotry and go home.”
Guest host Michelle Buteau supported the segment, saying the photograph reflects everyday anxieties of marginalized people.
“I'm really glad that picture was taken, that picture is how we feel walking into many rooms,” Buteau said.
“That picture is how we feel and nobody will believe us. So look at that picture and understand how it feels.”
The comments drew sharp criticism from conservative lawmakers and commentators. Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville shared the clip with the comment “Mental illness.”
Conservative commentator Benny Johnson wrote on X: “I'm so tired of hearing these screeching anti-American women on The View… If the Stars and Stripes make you feel so unsafe, you can LEAVE.”
Political commentator Nick Adams echoed that sentiment, saying Hostin should leave the country if she objects to seeing the flag.
However, Hostin also received significant public support, including from actress Holly Robinson Peete, who wrote “Thank you sunny.”
