Whoopi Goldberg Faces Backlash for Defending Tiger Woods After DUI Arrest

Critics say Goldberg's pleas for 'grace' expose a double standard for the embattled golf star.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:33pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in muted tones depicting a golf match or competition, with the players and field of play broken down into sharp, overlapping planes, conveying a sense of tension and unease.The public's frustration with Tiger Woods' continued legal troubles and perceived preferential treatment is reflected in this cubist-inspired illustration.Sag Harbor Today

Whoopi Goldberg is under fire after defending Tiger Woods just weeks after his DUI arrest, igniting a firestorm over what critics call her tone-deaf support of the embattled golf star. Instead of facing full accountability, Woods quietly checked into a treatment facility in Zurich, Switzerland, leading many to wonder if the golf legend is still getting a free pass, with reckless behavior excused while the public seethes.

Why it matters

Goldberg's comments have sparked a broader debate about the treatment of high-profile athletes and celebrities who face legal troubles, with critics arguing that Woods continues to receive preferential treatment despite his history of reckless behavior.

The details

After Woods' March 27 DUI arrest following an SUV rollover, he passed a breathalyzer but failed other sobriety tests, and two hydrocodone pills were found in his pocket. Goldberg, responding to a video clip on 'The View', expressed that Woods was a friend of hers and she wished him 'nothing but the best.' Her co-host, Sunni Hostin, also defended Woods and spoke about the possibility of him having to give up the sport due to his back issues. However, their comments were met with backlash on social media, with many accusing them of making excuses for Woods' behavior.

  • On March 27, Tiger Woods was arrested for DUI following an SUV rollover.
  • Woods announced he was seeking treatment and would be 'stepping away for a period of time' on April 4.
  • Woods is scheduled to return to court on May 5.

The players

Whoopi Goldberg

An American actress, comedian, television host, and producer who is a co-host on the talk show 'The View'.

Tiger Woods

A professional golfer who has won 15 major golf championships and is considered one of the greatest golfers of all time.

Sunni Hostin

An American lawyer, journalist, and television personality who is a co-host on 'The View'.

Joy Behar

An American comedian, actress, and television host who is a co-host on 'The View'.

Dave Portnoy

The founder of Barstool Sports, a popular sports and pop culture blog.

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What they’re saying

“Put him in jail for a little bit. Make him wake up. Get a driver. You're going to kill somebody.”

— Dave Portnoy, Barstool Sports founder

“I don't like kicking a man when he's down. I'll leave that to other folks.”

— Whoopi Goldberg, Co-host, The View

“I'm not excusing the fact that he was driving while under the influence. But I think we need to show someone who is a sports legend, who may have been pushed very hard as a child, and have some grace for the pain he's living with and the fact that, as an athlete, he is now having to struggle with the fact that he may have to give up the one thing he loves to do.”

— Sunni Hostin, Co-host, The View

“He's very rich. Just get a driver, just not Justin Timberlake.”

— Joy Behar, Co-host, The View

“Whoopi, stop making excuses for grown-ass men! 'Because I know him' means nothing! Tiger has problems, just like Timberlake and Britney Spears! I don't care about their personal problems. There's no excuse for them driving a vehicle impaired or recklessly!”

— Twitter user

What’s next

Woods is scheduled to return to court on May 5 to face charges related to his DUI arrest.

The takeaway

Goldberg's defense of Woods has reignited a broader debate about the treatment of high-profile athletes and celebrities who face legal troubles, with many arguing that Woods continues to receive preferential treatment despite his history of reckless behavior. This case highlights the ongoing challenges in holding public figures accountable for their actions, even in the face of clear evidence of wrongdoing.