Staten Island's Holtermann's Bakery became the unlikely center of a national controversy involving celebrity host Whoopi Goldberg.
In a surprising twist of events, accusations by Whoopi Goldberg drew unintended support for a Staten Island bakery, now overwhelmed with nationwide orders, New York Post reported.
Goldberg, during a recent episode of "The View," claimed Holtermann's Bakery refused to prepare desserts for her due to her political beliefs. The co-host mentioned being denied Charlotte Russe desserts for her 69th birthday, which she celebrated on-air on November 13.
During the broadcast, Goldberg explained, "Now, I should tell you, Charlotte Russe has no political leanings, and the place that made these refused to make them for me." She insinuated that her political views were the reason behind the refusal, saying, "They did not like my politics."
However, the actress also highlighted some confusion around the issue. "They said that their ovens had gone down, all kinds of stuff, but folks went and got them anyway, which is why I’m not telling you who made them," Goldberg added, suggesting a mix of mechanical failures and personal biases as the potential reasons for the service denial.
In response to Goldberg's televised statements, Holtermann's Bakery explained the situation from their perspective. Jill Holtermann, the bakery owner, cited a mechanical failure with their aging 60-year-old boiler as the reason for being unable to fulfill the order, refuting any political motivations.
The bakery's explanation did not immediately calm the storm, but it shifted public perception as more details emerged. Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella took a stand to defend the local business and critique the potentially damaging statements made by Goldberg.
Fossella held a news conference where he openly demanded an apology to the bakery from those who spread misinformation. “Recently someone took to the national airwaves and defamed, frankly, this family business,” Fossella stated. He continued to emphasize the need for an apology, invoking the everyday normalcy of most businesses: “Not everybody wakes up every day and thinks about politics.”
His words resonated with the local community and fans of the bakery across the country. “Judging by the line today, I think the one simple message is: You don’t mess with Staten Island,” added Fossella, reflecting the spirited public response.
As the news spread, public support for Holtermann's surprisingly spiked. The bakery received a marked increase in orders from all over the United States, turning the controversy into an unexpected boon. People from various regions donated orders to local schools and first responders, showing solidarity with the bakery in a unique, supportive manner.
Jill Holtermann was touched by the reaction, overwhelmed by the influx of both moral and business support. “I am overwhelmed. I’m so happy to have the support. Just to have people come out and talk and build up my business,” she remarked, visibly moved by the community's rally.
Despite beginning with accusations and misunderstandings, the incident has morphed into a narrative of community strengthening and support. A significant instance of this solidarity was a customer donating $150 worth of donuts to local service providers, according to Jill Holtermann. She noted this act at the news conference, symbolizing the positive outcomes resulting from unexpected events.
The controversy surrounding Whoopi Goldberg's comments and Holtermann's Bakery underscores the unpredictable interplay of media narratives, public perception, and local business realities. It exemplifies how quickly circumstances can pivot when the public challenges a potentially misguided narrative.
