Sunny Hostin, co-host of “The View,” looked visibly unhappy on Tuesday. She was forced to read a legal disclaimer after attacking Attorney General nominee Matt Gaetz. Hostin had earlier brought up allegations that Gaetz had sex with a 17-year-old girl and engaged in illegal sex trafficking.
During the show, Hostin criticized Gaetz, who was President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Justice Department. “How could you nominate someone with allegations of child trafficking or trafficking across state lines and having sex with a 17-year-old?” she asked. Her comments were captured in a clip later shared on X.
She continued, saying, “My understanding, further on in the interview, they discuss the fact that once he finds out that she’s 17, he stops having sex with her.” As a former federal prosecutor, her words carried weight.
Just minutes later, co-host Whoopi Goldberg interrupted. “Sunny, you have a legal note,” Goldberg said, halting the conversation.
“I do, Whoopi, thank you,” Hostin replied, sounding less enthusiastic. She read the statement: “Matt Gaetz has long denied all allegations, calling the claims ‘invented’ and saying in a statement to ABC News that, ‘This false smear following a three-year criminal investigation should be viewed with great skepticism.’”
Hostin concluded, “That DOJ investigation was closed with no charges being brought.” Goldberg immediately cut to a commercial break.
Gaetz, 42, has consistently denied the accusations. The Justice Department ended its investigation in early 2023 without filing criminal charges. Despite this, his reputation remained under scrutiny.
The Florida congressman resigned his seat on Nov. 13, just days before the House Committee on Ethics was set to vote. They planned to release a report on claims of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, and other allegations against him.
Hostin’s reluctant legal disclaimer quickly went viral. Conservative personality Collin Rugg shared the clip on X, writing, “Sunny Hostin fumes as she is forced to read a legal note just minutes after presenting the Matt Gaetz allegations as a ‘fact.’”
Users on X mocked Hostin for her apparent backtracking. One wrote, “You just know ABC told her she had to do it or they would fire her to prevent the network from getting sued.” Another added, “You know Hostin is a serial liar when The View is forcing her to read legal notices after her comments.”