The View hosts’ ‘attack’ on Alyssa Farah Griffin is anti-sisterhood and shows they’re ‘threatened’ by her, expert says
GIVEN her conservative opinions, Alyssa Farah Griffin is famed for clashing with some of her more liberal co-hosts on The View.
But a body language expert has told how a playful discussion about her shirt backfired and exposed the panel’s friendships as a sham.
Recently, Alyssa showed off a shirt on The View. She explained how she “liked it” even though she was not sure she had it on right.
The July 13 segment featuring her co-host’s reactions to the blue and white striped blouse was posted on Instagram.
The video showed the ABC panel discussing how the 35-year-old’s cut-out top sat on her shoulders.
At the start of the footage, the shirt looked wonky. Only one of Alyssa’s shoulders was showing.
As part of the planned production, Whoopi Goldberg, 67, whipped out a large pair of scissors.
“So, I don’t want anybody to get nervous, but we have been talking about this shirt,” she said.
Whoopi continued: “I really feel like somebody needs to cut it so that it works,” before adding: “But I feel like we need to call Fran.”
As the show’s stylist walked on set, Joy Behar, 80, Sunny Hostin, 54, and Sara Haines, 45, chimed in.
In an exclusive interview, body language expert Judi James told The U.S. Sun: “Alyssa’s crooked, cut-out shirt upstaged the View panel.
“Whoopi waved her scissors as part of the set-up, but Alyssa’s lips started to purse.
“This suggested that she was less than happy about Whoopi’s threat to her shirt than she made out.
“Whoopi also moved the scissors up close to her own face and performed an angry-looking sneer gesture.
“This all ended as an attack on Alyssa.
“Her tooth-baring smile and finger raise suggested she wanted to fight back at the rest of the panel’s put-downs and criticism.”
Whoopi later lowered her scissors, as Fran adjusted Alyssa’s blouse to another position.
Fans commented on the co-host’s reactions online.
“Who is Whoopi to criticize anything anyone wears much less Alyssa who is gorgeous,” wrote one on Instagram.
They added: “I hate the way the old women at the tables constantly attack her but I love the way she stands up to them without stooping to their level.”
“Despite this segment’s stab at comedy, the result was the group turning against Alyssa,” added Judi.
“The panel showed no signs of sisterhood toward her despite the planned joke.
“Joy wagged her finger in a gesture associated with disapproval.
“She splayed both hands out on the desk in a special signal of power and dominance.
“Sara dropped her jaw and adopted a neutral pose.
“She even picked up a mug to hide her face rather than defending her teammate while she was under attack.
“Sunny was in awe at the shirt but when it was revealed as being worn wrong, she leaned over and tugged at the collar.
“This was an odd gesture considering Alyssa was still wearing it.
“This was supposed to be a tongue-in-cheek funny segment.
“But there were no warm smiles or consoling touches when they found out about Alyssa’s error in positioning her shirt.
“The only signals of empathy were aimed at Fran the stylist.”
The View panel is famed for frosty exchanges as the co-hosts debate the key topics of the day.
While the daytime TV stars are not shy about disagreeing, they also mix in innocent banter along the way.
Since Meghan McCain left, there has also been stability with a regular panel of hosts in place.
Alyssa was made a permanent fixture in September. She joined the ABC talk show during its 26th season.
At the time former White House Director of Strategic Communications wrote on Twitter: “It’s been a tumultuous few years for me personally,”
She added: “I’m grateful & thrilled to have found my voice & to represent my values at the iconic table!”
Our expert noted that while each co-host would have different fashion tastes, their clothes could blend on set.
“They each have their own style of dress, ” added Judi.
“But there should be the comfort of the familiar and psychological uniformity.
“Their clothes define their individual brands but these would be combined to make up a close-knit team.
“Here Alyssa’s shirt is a statement piece that stands out from the other’s tops or dresses.
“It is also a younger fashion option while Alyssa is the youngest member of the panel.
“This would all demand attention away from the other panelists.
“This meant the others could have felt threatened on a subliminal level.
“But instead of turning her head and gazing towards them to listen, she looked at the monitor to watch herself.
“This hints Alyssa did a really good job of rejecting their comments and criticism and admired herself instead.
“Their behaviors backfired.
“Alyssa performed preening gestures with her hair and shoulders.
“This showed she was very happy with how she looked in her statement shirt.”