Karoline Leavitt’s Vicious Jab at Joy Behar Ignites Firestorm: Fans Stunned by “Talking Hemorrhoid” Insult
In a jaw-dropping moment that has set social media ablaze, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt unleashed a scathing insult at The View co-host Joy Behar during a June 24, 2025, appearance on Fox News’ The Five. Leavitt, responding to a question about media influence, called Behar “a talking hemorrhoid in a maroon wig,” a remark that stunned the studio audience and sparked a fierce debate about decorum, media bias, and the escalating tensions between the Trump administration and liberal commentators. The explosive comment, delivered with Leavitt’s signature sharp wit, has left fans divided, with some cheering her audacity and others decrying her as unprofessional. As the fallout continues, the incident has thrust both women into the center of a national controversy.
The clash stems from a history of friction. In January 2025, Behar sparked outrage by suggesting on The View that Leavitt, the youngest White House Press Secretary at 27, was chosen for her role because “according to Donald Trump, she’s a 10,” implying her looks, not qualifications, secured the job. Conservative commentators, including Charlie Kirk and Megyn Kelly, slammed Behar’s remark as sexist, defending Leavitt’s credentials as a former Trump campaign spokesperson and Capitol Hill aide. Leavitt, who has made waves with her combative press briefings, didn’t hold back on The Five. “Joy Behar sits there spewing nonsense, a talking hemorrhoid in a maroon wig, and expects to be taken seriously?” she quipped, prompting gasps and laughter from the panel.
Social media erupted immediately. On X, #KarolineUnfiltered trended with over 10 million impressions, as supporters hailed Leavitt’s takedown. “Finally, someone called out Behar’s venom!” one user posted. Others, however, condemned Leavitt’s language as unbecoming of her office. “This is the White House Press Secretary, not a reality TV star,” a critic wrote. The hashtag #BoycottTheFive also gained traction, with some calling for Leavitt’s resignation. The View’s Whoopi Goldberg responded the next day, without naming Leavitt: “When you stoop to insults like that, you’re not debating—you’re bullying.” Sunny Hostin added, “This isn’t about free speech; it’s about respect.”
Leavitt’s remark comes amid her broader critique of The View’s influence. On The Five, she argued the show “exists to incite, not inform,” accusing it of fueling division in an election year. Her defenders, including Ben Shapiro, praised her for challenging liberal media dominance, while critics like The Atlantic’s Molly Ball called it “a cheap shot dressed as principle.” The incident has reignited debates about media accountability, with Leavitt’s supporters arguing she exposed The View’s bias, while detractors say her insult undermines her credibility.
The Tigers-Athletics game, initially unrelated, was overshadowed by this drama when Leavitt, a known baseball fan, tweeted support for Detroit’s Tarik Skubal, further amplifying her visibility. The controversy has boosted Leavitt’s profile, with merchandise bearing her insult selling out online, but it’s also intensified scrutiny on her role. Rumors of a defamation lawsuit against Behar, debunked by Snopes, have only fueled the fire.
As the Trump administration navigates its early months, Leavitt’s provocative style—evident in her press briefings on issues like media access and “wokeness”—shows no signs of softening. The Tigers, meanwhile, remain focused on their 50-30 season, but Leavitt’s jab has made her a lightning rod in a cultural war. Will she double down, or will the White House rein her in? For now, the drama shows no signs of slowing, as Behar and Leavitt remain locked in a feud that’s gripping the nation.