NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF ARTICLE
Renowned podcast host Joe Rogan has ignited a fresh controversy after unleashing a scathing critique of ABC’s daytime talk show The View, calling it a “rabies-infested henhouse” during a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience. The comment came in response to a heated exchange that took place between The View co-host Sunny Hostin and guest Coleman Hughes, a respected author, policy commentator, and rising public intellectual.
The viral moment unfolded when Hughes appeared on The View to discuss his latest book, “The End of Race Politics: Arguments for a Colorblind America.” The book challenges widely accepted progressive ideologies like Critical Race Theory and instead argues that Americans should be treated without regard to race, emphasizing socioeconomic conditions over identity politics.
However, rather than engage in a thoughtful discussion, Sunny Hostin confronted Hughes with ad hominem attacks, referring to him as a “pawn of the right” and a “charlatan.” She went on to claim that his book had been “co-opted” by conservative movements and that many within the Black community viewed him with suspicion. The moment quickly spiraled into what many viewers described as an “ambush.”
“Many in the Black community, if I’m being honest, believe you are being used as a pawn by the right,” Hostin said during the interview.
Coleman Hughes remained calm and composed throughout the segment, defending his position and rejecting Hostin’s accusations:
“I don’t think there’s any evidence I’ve been co-opted by anyone. That’s an ad hominem tactic people use to avoid engaging in actual ideas.”
The controversial episode quickly made waves online, with thousands of users sharing clips of the confrontation and sparking debates about race, media bias, and intellectual freedom. That’s when Joe Rogan stepped in.
During Hughes’ appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, the two discussed the fallout from the interview and the viral attention it had generated. Rogan did not hold back in his criticism of The View, calling it a “rabies-infested henhouse” and accusing the show of inviting guests just to manufacture outrage.
“They ambushed him,” Rogan said. “They don’t want a real conversation—they want a viral clip. It’s all performative.”
Rogan also slammed the show’s approach to audience engagement, claiming the show is largely sustained by “hate-watching” and attention from viral clips that showcase their most absurd statements.
“The same people who claim to champion diversity of thought are the first to shout down any Black intellectual who doesn’t toe the line,” Rogan added.
Hughes admitted he was surprised by the direction the conversation took, saying he didn’t even know who Sunny Hostin was before appearing on the program.
“I wasn’t expecting her to attack my character. I thought we’d be talking about ideas,” Hughes said.
The Aftermath: Viral and Unapologetic
The clip of the exchange has since gone viral on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and TikTok. Many users defended Hughes, while others criticized The View for its combative tone and lack of intellectual honesty.
This incident is the latest in a string of controversies involving The View, which has often been accused of silencing dissenting voices and attacking conservative or moderate viewpoints.
Rogan’s blunt takedown has only added fuel to the fire and intensified the spotlight on mainstream media platforms that prioritize sensationalism over substance.
As Coleman Hughes continues to promote his book and advocate for colorblind public policy, many see him as a rising voice in a political landscape deeply divided along ideological lines. His calm, data-driven responses stand in stark contrast to the emotionally charged reactions he often receives on shows like The View.
