Famous tv host hints at political discrimination by historic New York bakery
Long-running Staten Island bakery faces claims about refusing service to well-known television personality. Owner explains technical problems prevented fulfilling special birthday dessert order
In a recent-tv show episode Whoopi Goldberg shared an odd experience while trying to get her birthday treats. The well-known host wanted to order 50 Charlotte Russe desserts (a sweet-treat with sponge cake whipped cream and cherry) from a Staten Island bakery; however things didnt go as planned
The 146-year old Holtermanns bakery — located in a conservative-leaning area of New York became the center of attention when Goldberg suggested they refused her order due to political views. During her birthday celebration on The View she made this statement which caused quite a stir: the audience showed their dis-approval while co-hosts reacted with shock
They said that their ovens had gone down‚ but folks went and got them anyway. Its not because Iʼm a woman‚ but perhaps they did not like my politics
The bakeryʼs owner Jill Holtermann quickly addressed the situation explaining that their 94-year-old building had some technical difficulties: the boiler wasnt working right which made it hard to commit to large orders. She insisted politics played no role in this situation; after fixing the issue they were able to make the desserts
The situation brings up memories of other bakery-related disputes like:
- The decade-long legal battle of a Christian baker
- Issues with refusing service based on beliefs
- Social media impacts on small businesses
- Community reactions to service disputes
