Sunny Hostin, co-host of The View, didn’t hold back as she criticized black performers, 

including rappers Snoop Dogg and Nelly, for appearing at Donald Trump’s inauguration.

During a recent episode of the show, Hostin expressed her disapproval, highlighting what she perceives

as hypocrisy in performing for a president she feels has a troubling history with racial issues.

Hostin aired a clip of Keith Boykin, a former aide to Bill Clinton, who sharply criticized the artists for their participation.

In the clip, Boykin outlined Trump’s controversial history, including allegations of racial discrimination in the 1970s and his call for the death penalty against five black and Latino teenagers in the infamous Central Park Five case.

“You dishonor these people when you go and perform for this man who did nothing but dishonor black people,” Boykin said in the clip, a sentiment Hostin endorsed.

Hostin also made it clear that she chose not to watch Trump’s inauguration, which coincided with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Instead, she shared with her co-hosts that she “indulged in some Buffalo Wild Wings” to avoid what she called the “hypocrisy” of the day.

Fans and Co-Hosts Weigh In

The panel discussion on The View sparked a mix of reactions. Co-host Whoopi Goldberg expressed a more forgiving view, stating, “People do what they do for whatever reason.” She referenced past instances where public figures, including journalists Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, interacted with Trump despite their criticism of him.

While some panelists agreed with Hostin’s perspective, others took a more measured approach. Alyssa Farah Griffin and Sara Haines noted that performers often have personal reasons for their decisions, emphasizing that participation in such events doesn’t necessarily indicate alignment with the politics of the host.

Joy Behar, known for her sharp wit, interjected with humor, questioning Trump’s actions while in office. Referring to his controversial decisions, she quipped, “If he’s sending all the criminals away, where is he going?”

Trump’s Legacy Sparks Debate

Hostin’s critique extended beyond the performers to Trump himself, labeling his presidency as one driven by privilege rather than merit.

“He didn’t become President of the United States because of merit,” she said. “He had no political experience, no business experience. He is a legacy hire.”

The conversation also touched on Trump’s claims about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hostin pointed out what she saw as contradictions in his rhetoric, calling it “disgraceful.”

While Snoop Dogg has yet to address the backlash, Nelly shared his perspective during an interview with NewsNation’s CUOMO. The rapper stated he was never concerned about the criticism he might face for his performance, suggesting his reasons were personal and unrelated to political alignment.

Hostin and other panelists expressed disappointment that black performers would participate in an event honoring a figure they believe has a history of undermining racial equality.

They drew parallels between Trump’s past controversies and his inauguration’s timing on a day meant to honor Martin Luther King Jr.

A Divided Audience

The discussion highlighted the complex dynamics of public figures navigating political events. While some argue that performers should avoid events tied to divisive figures, others believe their participation can be separate from political endorsement.

Hostin’s passionate critique reflects the broader cultural debate over the responsibilities of public figures in politically charged moments.

As the conversation around Trump’s legacy and the role of performers continues, The View remains a platform for engaging—and often polarizing—discussions.

For now, the performers involved have largely stayed silent, leaving the public to interpret their choices. Hostin, however, made her stance clear: participating in such an event, particularly on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, sends the wrong message about honoring the fight for racial equality.