Whoopi Goldberg was missing from The View on Monday, and her explanation sounded like something built for daytime TV, a volcano kept her from getting back to work.
PEOPLE reported that Goldberg was absent from the July 6 episode after getting stranded in Sicily during activity from Mount Etna.
The show played a video message from Goldberg, who said airport closures had prevented her from returning to the United States in time for the live broadcast.
Goldberg Sent in a Video From Sicily
Goldberg explained that she was in Sicily when Mount Etna, one of Italy’s active volcanoes, disrupted her travel plans. She said she had spent most of the day trying to get back to the U.S., but the airport situation made that impossible in time for the broadcast.
Just Jared reported that Goldberg joked her explanation beat everyone else’s vacation problems, ending the message with the line, “A volcano ate my homework!”
Euronews reported that Catania Airport suspended flights following volcanic activity from Mount Etna before flights later resumed.
The View Was Missing Three Co-Hosts
Sara Haines missed the episode because of storm damage, while Ana Navarro was stuck in Miami because of weather-related travel problems.
That left Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Alyssa Farah Griffin and guest co-host Michelle Buteau at the table. Behar, who usually does not appear on Mondays, stepped in as moderator and joked about the show being down three co-hosts at once.
Entertainment Weekly reported that Behar said a producer had “begged” her to fill in, while Griffin joked that the co-hosts were “dropping like flies.”
Michelle Buteau Was Pulled Into the Panel
Entertainment Weekly reported that Buteau joined the panel after producers needed extra help filling out the table.
Due to the whole situation the episode a looser tone than usual, with Behar joking through the travel explanations and Buteau leaning into the surprise assignment.
PEOPLE reported that Buteau joked about being called in early, turning the emergency co-hosting setup into part of the episode’s humor.
Goldberg Said She Would Return When She Could
Goldberg told viewers she would be back as soon as she could, while making clear that the delay was caused by travel disruption, not a planned extension of her vacation.
The View, show built around live reactions and unpredictable Hot Topics, was returning after a holiday break.