Whoopi Goldberg Defends Brittney Griner: “Judge the Talent, Not the Skin”

During a segment on The View, Whoopi Goldberg delivered a quietly powerful message about WNBA star Brittney Griner:

“Don’t judge her for her skin color. Look at her talent.”

In a media landscape full of noise, Goldberg’s words stood out — not for outrage, but for clarity.

Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and defensive powerhouse, returned to the WNBA after enduring political imprisonment in Russia. Yet, public discourse often focuses on her identity more than her skills. From criticism over her voice and activism to unfair comparisons, Griner continues to face a level of scrutiny rarely applied to others.

Goldberg’s statement reframed the conversation. Rather than politicize, she humanized — reminding viewers that Griner is, first and foremost, an elite athlete.

“She’s earned her spot,” Goldberg added. “Judge her game — not her appearance.”

As comparisons to Caitlin Clark reveal glaring double standards in how Black women in sports are treated, Goldberg’s message resonated: Respect isn’t radical — it’s the baseline. And talent deserves equal recognition, no matter the face it comes with.