Whoopi Goldberg has stirred up quite the drama, and Staten Island is not having it. The radically left-leaning actress and host of The View found herself in hot water after allegedly making comments that Staten Islanders claim unfairly targeted the historic Holtermann’s Bakery. This 145-year-old institution is a beloved local gem—and people are rallying to defend it like it’s a “Great British Bake Off” final.
Holtermann’s, a family-run bakery that has been serving Staten Island since Rutherford B. Hayes was in office (yes, really), is known for its dedication to the community and its famous donuts. Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella didn’t mince words in a press conference outside the bakery, where he passionately defended the Holtermann family and the legacy they’ve built.
“You don’t mess with Staten Island,” he declared, as locals cheered and lined up for their favorite baked goods.
Jill Holtermann Bowers, a member of the family behind the bakery, was visibly emotional as she addressed the crowd. She shared how overwhelming the support has been, with customers calling from as far as Alabama to offer solidarity—and even sending donations for cupcakes to be gifted to local schools. Her heartfelt words highlighted the bakery’s deep roots in the Staten Island community and their commitment to showing up for their neighbors, rain or shine.
While Whoopi’s exact comments haven’t been detailed in full, locals and fans of the bakery are calling for an apology, claiming her remarks painted an inaccurate and dismissive picture of the Holtermann family. Critics argue that her commentary was unnecessarily harsh and out of touch with the sacrifices the bakery’s team has made over generations.
Staten Islanders have a reputation for fierce loyalty, and this situation is no exception. The crowd that gathered at Holtermann’s wasn’t just there for the pastries—they were there to send a clear message. Staten Island has its icons, and Holtermann’s is one of them.
As for Whoopi, neither she nor her representatives have commented on the controversy yet. But if this saga teaches us anything, it’s that underestimating Staten Island’s ability to rally around its own is a serious mistake. And honestly? If Holtermann’s donuts are as good as everyone says, this might be the hill to die on.
