Drama at ‘The View’ as Star is sent packing

Say it ain’t so. Star Jones Reynolds is leaving The View after serving as a co-host on ABC’s girl-talk chat-fest since its debut in 1997. (Where does the time go?) It’s too bad. I was looking forward to fireworks with the arrival of Rosie O’Donnell as co-host in the fall. (O’Donnell replaces Meredith Vieira, who’s replacing Katie Couric, who’s replacing Bob Schieffer.) Rosie has had some not-so-nice things to say about Star. She basically called Star dishonest for talking up the benefits of diet and exercise after shedding 100 pounds while downplaying her gastric-bypass surgery. And apparently, Star’s not thrilled to be leaving. She told People, “I feel like I was fired.” But she made the announcement herself on yesterday morning’s telecast. According to the AP account linked above, Jones said, somewhat cryptically, “I’m not sure what the future holds, but I’m absolutely sure who holds the future.” Um ... what? But the most curious comment came from Barbara Walters, who said the timing of the departure surprised her. Babs, you’re the executive producer. Try to stay a little more in touch, OK?

—Posted by Steve McClellan

June 28, 2006 | Permalink