Hosts of ‘The View’ unite against Ann Coulter’s insensitive remarks
A moment of unity
In a rare moment of solidarity, past and present hosts of ABC’s “The View” found common ground on social media following the third night of the Democratic National Convention. The catalyst for this unity was Ann Coulter’s mockery of Gus Walz, the 17-year-old son of vice presidential candidate Tim Walz. Gus, who has a non-verbal learning disorder, went viral for his emotional reaction to his father’s speech at the DNC. Coulter, in a since-deleted post on X, criticized Gus by writing: “Talk about weird.”
Outrage and support
Ana Navarro, a current host of “The View,” took to Instagram to express her outrage. “Jesus. What ass-wipes,” she wrote, sharing Coulter’s deleted comment. “Of course Republicans and Trumpers on social media are taking shots at Gus Walz, who is not involved in politics, for the simple act of expressing love for his father.”
Navarro further explained, “Gus Walz is neurodivergent. He has ADHD, anxiety, and a nonverbal learning disorder. Children and teens like Gus can have trouble regulating their emotions in social settings. I don’t and won’t attack Barron Trump. As far as I’m concerned, he’s out-of-bounds. They need to leave Gus Walz the fuck alone.”
A chorus of condemnation
Rosie O’Donnell, another former host of “The View,” also reacted to Coulter’s remark, writing, “Talk about a cruel heartless woman – she’s the worst.” Star Jones added, “There is a special place in Hell for adults who bully children. God does not like ugly … and he ain’t [too] fond of vile and disgusting women who use their vast platform to vilify the vulnerable. #DoBetter.”
The Walz family’s perspective
Tim Walz and his wife Gwen spoke about Gus’ learning disorder earlier this month, describing it as his “secret power.” They shared, “Like so many American families, it took us time to figure out how to make sure we did everything we could to make sure Gus would be set up for success as he was growing up. It took time, but what became so immediately clear to us was that Gus’ condition is not a setback — it’s his secret power.”
During his DNC speech, Tim Walz gave a heartfelt shoutout to his children and his wife, saying, “Hope, Gus, and Gwen, you are my entire world and I love you.”
A broader conversation
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of children, especially those with disabilities, in the public eye. It raises questions about the responsibilities of public figures and the impact of their words on vulnerable individuals. The outpouring of support for Gus Walz from the hosts of “The View” and others highlights the importance of standing up against bullying and advocating for kindness and understanding.
Reflecting on the power of empathy
As cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts, we often find ourselves drawn to stories that evoke empathy and understanding. This situation with Gus Walz reminds us of the power of empathy in real life. Just as we connect with characters on screen or in songs, we must also connect with and support real people who face challenges. The entertainment industry has a unique ability to influence public perception and promote positive change. By highlighting stories of resilience and advocating for those who are often marginalized, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Links to explore
For those interested in exploring more about the impact of empathy and understanding in media, here are some recommended links:
By engaging with these resources, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of empathy and support in both our personal lives and the broader cultural landscape.