In a shocking turn of events, country music superstar Carrie Underwood has reportedly filed a lawsuit against the hosts of ABC’s daytime talk show The View, alleging defamation and misconduct stemming from an off-air scandal that has rocked the entertainment world. The lawsuit, which sources claim could be valued at upwards of $800 million, accuses the hosts of spreading damaging falsehoods about Underwood’s personal and professional conduct, particularly in relation to her decision to perform at President Donald Trump’s second inauguration on January 20, 2025. The legal action has ignited a firestorm of debate, with fans and critics alike taking to social media to weigh in on the escalating controversy.

The roots of this legal battle trace back to a mid-January 2025 episode of The View, where co-host Joy Behar sparked outrage by questioning Underwood’s patriotism. Behar commented, “She says, ‘I love our country.’ How do you love your country and support and normalize somebody who was a convicted felon who really wants to destroy the country, in my opinion?” These remarks, made in response to Underwood’s announcement that she would perform America the Beautiful at Trump’s inauguration, drew immediate backlash from conservative commentators and Underwood’s fanbase. Former The View co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck called Behar’s statements a “dysmorphic lie” and accused her of seeking “selfish publicity gain” by targeting Underwood.

While the on-air comments were controversial, sources close to Underwood claim the lawsuit centers on an alleged off-air incident involving The View hosts. According to unverified reports circulating on social media, the hosts engaged in a heated discussion about Underwood during a commercial break, allegedly making disparaging remarks about her character and motives that were inadvertently recorded. These remarks, which reportedly included accusations of Underwood “selling out” and “betraying American values,” were leaked online, fueling speculation and outrage. Although no major media outlet has confirmed the authenticity of the leaked audio, the viral spread of these claims has amplified the narrative that Underwood was unfairly targeted.

Underwood’s legal team alleges that the off-air comments constitute defamation, arguing that they have caused significant harm to her reputation and career. The lawsuit reportedly seeks to hold The View hosts—specifically Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, and Sunny Hostin—accountable for what Underwood’s camp describes as “a pattern of reckless and malicious behavior.” The filing also calls for the cancellation of The View, citing its “damaging influence on social and political discourse.” Legal experts, however, are skeptical about the lawsuit’s chances, noting that defamation cases are notoriously difficult to win, especially when involving public figures like Underwood. “To succeed, Underwood would need to prove that the hosts made false statements with actual malice,” said media law expert Dr. Emily Carter. “The off-air nature of the alleged comments complicates matters, as it’s unclear whether they were intended for public consumption.”

The response from The View’s hosts has been swift and unapologetic. During a recent episode, Whoopi Goldberg dismissed the lawsuit as “absolutely ridiculous,” suggesting that Underwood is simply “uncomfortable with differing opinions.” Joy Behar, never one to shy away from controversy, sarcastically remarked, “Since when does a country singer get to decide what people can watch?” Sunny Hostin defended the show’s role as a platform for diverse viewpoints, stating, “Just because Carrie Underwood doesn’t like what we say doesn’t mean we should be silenced.” The hosts’ defiance has only intensified the public’s divide, with some praising their candor and others accusing them of bullying a beloved artist.

Social media platforms, particularly X, have become a battleground for the controversy. Supporters of Underwood argue that she is taking a courageous stand against media bias. One user posted, “Carrie is holding The View accountable for years of divisive rhetoric. Good for her!” Others, however, view the lawsuit as an attack on free speech. “If you don’t like The View, change the channel. Suing them is absurd,” wrote another user. The debate has been further complicated by misinformation, with viral YouTube videos and clickbait articles falsely claiming that Underwood won a $1 billion defamation suit or that The View faces cancellation. Fact-checking outlets like Snopes and Distractify have debunked these claims, confirming that no credible evidence supports the existence of a lawsuit of this magnitude.

Underwood, who has historically avoided political controversies, has remained silent on the lawsuit, focusing instead on her music and her new role as a judge on American Idol’s 23rd season. In a statement to People magazine before the inauguration, she expressed her desire to promote unity: “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration… I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together.” Her decision to perform, despite technical difficulties that forced her to sing a cappella, was met with mixed reactions, with some praising her resilience and others criticizing her association with Trump.

ABC, The View’s parent network, has reportedly taken steps to protect Underwood’s image, with insiders claiming that executives issued a directive to the show’s hosts to “play nice” with the singer. “Carrie is a ratings magnet, and ABC can’t afford to alienate her fanbase,” a source told RadarOnline.com. This move has sparked resentment among the hosts, who are known for their unfiltered opinions. “These women aren’t used to being told what to say,” the source added.

As the legal battle unfolds, the entertainment industry is watching closely. The outcome could set a precedent for how public figures address criticism from media outlets. For now, Underwood’s lawsuit remains a lightning rod for broader discussions about free speech, media accountability, and the intersection of celebrity and politics. Whether the case gains traction or fizzles out, one thing is clear: Carrie Underwood is not staying quiet.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information as of July 2025. The details of the alleged lawsuit are unverified, and readers are encouraged to consult official sources for updates.