Whoopi Defends Tiger Woods DUI Arrest, Sparks Outrage

Whoopi Goldberg has been criticized for defending golfer Tiger Woods following his DUI arrest in Jupiter Island, Florida, on March 27. Goldberg, who identified Woods as a friend, expressed reluctance to criticize him while he is struggling, stating, 'I don't like kicking a man when he's down.'

However, her co-host Joy Behar countered that Woods, being a wealthy individual, should simply hire a driver. Behar also referenced Justin Timberlake's recent DUI arrest in New York. Host Sunny Hostin added that Woods had informed investigators he was taking prescription medication due to severe chronic pain from multiple surgeries.

Goldberg further defended Woods, suggesting that while a driver is convenient, constant reliance on one could lead to public perception issues, and that Woods was 'getting what he needs.' These statements ignited fury among viewers on X (formerly Twitter), who accused Goldberg of making excuses and urged against tolerating impaired driving, regardless of personal connections or wealth.

Woods himself later released a statement on March 31, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation and announcing he was taking time away to seek treatment for his health and focus on recovery. He faces charges including DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, with a court date set for the following month. This incident is not Woods's first brush with the law for driving under the influence; he was previously arrested in 2017 for a DUI in Florida.