With the 2020 presidential election months away, and former Vice President Joe Biden officially on a path to receiving the Democratic party nomination now that Senator Bernie Sanders has suspended his campaign, it would appear to be way too early to be discussing the retirement of “The View’s” politically involved Joy Behar. But here we are!
According to a report published today by Variety, Behar has decided that when her contract with the ABC talk show expires in summer 2022 that she will not renew her deal with the network and instead plans to retire. Behar, 77, will be turning 80 years old in 2022.
“I have a three-year contract,” says Behar in the upcoming paperback edition of the book “Ladies Who Punch: The Explosive Inside Story of ‘The View,'” written by Variety‘s own Ramin Setoodeh. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t leave if I want to, because they can’t really do anything to me at this point. I don’t see myself staying for more [time]. That’s it! I could be wrong. If I’m as fabulous in [2022] as I am now, I’ll think about. But the chances of that happening…,” Behar paused to reflect before saying “You know, time marches on. I’m not a kid.”
In spite of Behar’s statement in the book, an ABC representative was quick to deny Variety‘s reporting. “This is not true,” said the rep to the publication. “Joy was asked what happens at the end of her contract and as she herself made clear in the interview if she’s ‘as fabulous in [2022] as I am now,’ she will be in her seat at the table.”
Variety maintains that “multiple sources” at the show have confirmed that Behar’s 2022 exit is public knowledge.
The paperback edition of the bestselling “Ladies Who Punch” is set for release on Tuesday, April 14.