Show summary Hide summary
- How the sale unfolded at ABC
- Allegations from staff: early access and unsettled bills
- Hostin and Behar respond: their version of events
- Details that complicate the story
- Why the reaction was strong among junior staff
- Roberts’ rationale and the charitable angle
- Where coverage diverges and what remains unanswered
- What this episode says about newsroom culture
Sunny Hostin and Joy Behar found themselves at the center of office chatter after a holiday tag sale hosted by Deborah Roberts at ABC. What began as a routine charity closet clear-out turned into a debate over access, payment and etiquette — and junior staffers say the two View co-hosts left some colleagues feeling overlooked.
How the sale unfolded at ABC
Roberts stages the sale each year to donate proceeds to hunger-relief and other causes. The event is held at the network offices and often draws employees eager for designer pieces at bargain prices.
United Polaris Studio suites: tickets now on sale for April inaugural flights
Auston Matthews-Radko Gudas controversy: Pierre LeBrun predicts fallout
- Roberts posts items from her wardrobe and sometimes pieces from family members.
- Colleagues typically arrive when the sale opens and pay on the spot.
- Proceeds are directed to nonprofits such as Citymeals on Wheels and similar groups.
Allegations from staff: early access and unsettled bills
Sources told Page Six that Hostin and Behar arrived while setups were still in progress. Staffers alleged the hosts grabbed top items first and left payment arrangements vague.
Junior employees were reportedly upset because they planned to shop when doors opened. The claim: high-profile hosts took first pick, then said someone would follow up about payment.
Producer follow-up and the discount question
According to the account circulating around the office, a producer later called asking how much the hosts owed and whether there was any discount available. That inquiry added fuel to staff frustration.
Hostin and Behar respond: their version of events
On their podcast “Behind the Table,” the hosts challenged the negative spin. They said they were invited to arrive early and that their purchases were paid for.
- Hostin said she learned of the sale through her glam team and then checked with Roberts.
- Behar said she paid in cash and does not use Venmo.
- Both described only buying a handful of items between them.
Behar dismissed some reports as “fake news,” while Hostin noted they were supporting a charity effort, not hoarding goods.
Details that complicate the story
Other insiders offered context that tempers both sides. Several claimed the hosts had scheduling constraints that required early access. Others said they were not the only colleagues present before the official start time.
There are competing memories over whether a discount was requested. Some staffers insist a discount call happened; the hosts and some witnesses say no such request was made.
What items and payments were reported
- Behar reportedly bought a few pieces, including a pair of Chanel earrings donated as a gift to a staffer.
- Hostin said she purchased several items and used Venmo like others.
- Roberts confirmed she received payment and emphasized the sale’s charitable purpose.
Why the reaction was strong among junior staff
Employees who depend on these sales for affordable designer finds told colleagues the early access felt unfair. The friction reflects workplace dynamics around status and privilege.
Many staffers said the upset had less to do with items than with perceived entitlement, especially when higher-paid personalities appeared to cut the line.
Roberts’ rationale and the charitable angle
Roberts framed the event as a closet purge turned fundraiser. She has said the money helps organizations tackling food insecurity and other needs.
On the record, Roberts told reporters the hosts were enthusiastic shoppers who promptly settled up. She stressed the sale supports good causes and helps clear out items no longer used.
Where coverage diverges and what remains unanswered
Different sources paint contrasting pictures. Some describe a thoughtless fast grab; others call it innocuous early shopping by two friends who paid. The exact sequence and tone of interactions are disputed.
- Unclear: whether a discount was requested or offered.
- Unclear: how many people had pre-opening access that day.
- Clear: the event raised funds for charity and sparked internal debate.
What this episode says about newsroom culture
The incident highlights tensions between star talent and junior staff in media workplaces. Sales like this are social events, but they also reveal how perceived privilege can prompt sharp reactions.
For now, the parties involved insist the cause was charitable and payments were made. Yet the chatter shows how quickly small gestures can become larger workplace stories.
