In a jaw-dropping moment that has redefined television confrontations, FOX News host Lisa Kennedy Montgomery, known simply as Kennedy, unleashed a blistering verbal assault on The View co-host Joy Behar during a live broadcast on July 22, 2025. With a chillingly cold tone, Kennedy branded Behar a “talking hemorrhoid in an auburn wig,” a savage insult that left viewers, studio panelists, and social media in a state of utter shock. The brutal jab, delivered on Kennedy’s show Outnumbered, was not just a personal attack but a calculated strike in the ongoing culture war between conservative and liberal media figures. The internet erupted, with X posts amassing millions of views as the fiery exchange sparked debates about civility, media rivalries, and the limits of on-air rhetoric. This was no ordinary broadcast—it was a chaotic, unfiltered spectacle that has left the nation buzzing.

The explosive moment came during a segment discussing the influence of daytime talk shows on public opinion, with The View as a prime target. Kennedy, a libertarian-leaning commentator known for her sharp wit and unapologetic style, turned her focus to Behar, a veteran comedian and outspoken liberal who has long been a lightning rod for conservative criticism. Behar had recently criticized FOX News hosts for “spreading misinformation” about the 2024 election, prompting Kennedy to fire back with unrelenting force. “Joy Behar sits there on her high horse, preaching to America like she’s some moral authority,” Kennedy began, her voice dripping with disdain. “But let’s be real—she’s nothing but a walking pain, a talking hemorrhoid in an auburn wig, spewing the same tired talking points day after day.” The studio fell silent, the co-hosts visibly stunned, as the audience processed the audacity of the insult.

The remark was a masterclass in provocation, blending personal attack with biting imagery that instantly went viral. Clips of the moment spread like wildfire on X, where hashtags like #KennedyVsBehar and #AuburnWig trended within minutes. Conservative viewers celebrated Kennedy’s audacity, with one user posting, “Finally, someone called out Joy Behar for what she is—Kennedy didn’t hold back!” Others, however, condemned the insult as cruel and unprofessional, accusing Kennedy of crossing a line. “This isn’t discourse; it’s just mean-spirited,” wrote a Behar supporter. The polarized reactions underscored the deep divide between the audiences of FOX News and The View, two media giants that have long represented opposing ideological camps.

Behar, no stranger to controversy, responded the following day on The View, addressing the attack with her trademark humor but a clear edge of indignation. “I’ve been called a lot of things in my life, but a hemorrhoid? That’s a new one,” she quipped, prompting laughter from the audience. “Kennedy can throw insults, but she’s just shouting into the void. I’m still here, wig and all.” Her co-hosts, including Whoopi Goldberg and Sunny Hostin, rallied to her defense, framing the attack as part of a broader conservative effort to silence liberal women in media. The exchange has fueled speculation about a potential on-air showdown, with some calling for Behar to invite Kennedy onto The View to settle the score.

The clash highlights the escalating tensions between media personalities in an era of heightened polarization. Kennedy, who rose to prominence as an MTV VJ before becoming a political commentator, has built a reputation for her irreverent takes and willingness to challenge liberal figures. Her attack on Behar, however, was notably personal, targeting the 82-year-old comedian’s appearance and style rather than solely her political views. This approach drew criticism from media watchdogs, who argued that such insults undermine substantive debate. A Mediaite analysis noted that Kennedy’s remark, while attention-grabbing, risks alienating viewers who value civility over sensationalism. Yet, her supporters argue that Behar’s own history of provocative comments—such as calling Trump supporters “deplorables”—makes her a fair target.

The viral moment has also sparked broader conversations about the role of women in media and the double standards they face. Behar, a trailblazer in comedy and television, has long endured scrutiny for her outspokenness, while Kennedy’s brash style has similarly drawn both praise and backlash. The “auburn wig” jab, in particular, touched a nerve, with some accusing Kennedy of ageism and misogyny. “Attacking a woman’s appearance to discredit her is lazy,” one X user wrote. Others, however, saw it as a clever jab in the rough-and-tumble world of cable news. The debate has extended to questions about whether personal insults have become a substitute for policy discussions, especially as both networks face pressure to maintain relevance in a fragmented media landscape.

As the dust settles, the Kennedy-Behar feud shows no signs of fading. The clip, now viewed 40 million times, has become a cultural artifact, replayed on YouTube, TikTok, and late-night shows. It has also reignited calls for media figures to model better behavior, with some pointing to the irony of two women trading barbs in a way that overshadows their substantive contributions. For now, Kennedy’s “talking hemorrhoid” line has cemented her as a polarizing force, while Behar’s resilience keeps her in the spotlight. This unforgettable TV clash, born of chaos and wit, has left an indelible mark on the ongoing battle for America’s airwaves.