Joy Behar Returns to “The View ”After Month-Long Absence from Painful Injury She Calls ‘Worse Than Childbirth’

Joy Behar made a triumphant return to *The View* on 27 October, following a significant hiatus caused by a dislocated shoulder, an injury the comedian described as “worse than childbirth.” Her absence lasted nearly a month, during which the popular host missed not only her regular appearances but also her own 84th birthday episode.

As Behar walked onto the set, assisted by co-anchor Sara Haines, she was greeted with thunderous applause from the audience. The mood was celebratory as Behar expressed her gratitude, playfully joking about the entrance music that accompanied her return. “They played ‘The Bitch Is Back,’” she quipped, urging the producers to have opted for something grander, like “God Save the Queen.”

Her emotional reception marked a poignant moment for both Behar and her colleagues, particularly after the difficult period she had endured due to her injury. Once seated at the esteemed Hot Topics table, Behar candidly admitted, “Thank you for that extremely lovely welcome. I can’t tell you. I’m verklempt,” showcasing her appreciation for the support she received during her recovery.

This was Behar’s first appearance since 1 October when fellow host Sunny Hostin disclosed the incident that led to her injury. Notably absent from the birthday celebrations on 7 October, she still managed to send a light-hearted message, alluding to her shared birthday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating she was not afflicted by the “Russian plague” and was still in the healing process.

Upon resuming her role, Behar took a moment to recount the details of her painful ordeal. “I fell — bad. I mean, I went down hard, in this building, and I dislocated my shoulder,” she explained, adding that the experience was far more painful than childbirth. In a comedic twist, she joked about being willing to betray national secrets to escape such suffering.

Behar also playfully lamented her struggle with medical procedures, including an MRI scan that left her feeling utterly sedated. “I was asleep the whole time. It’s like sex,” she quipped, further commenting on her discomfort with tight spaces, a trait she playfully attributed to her Italian heritage. “Claustrophobic crosses racial and ethnic bounds,” Haines interjected, providing a light-hearted rebuttal.

Unsurprisingly, Behar’s return episode included her signature commentary on current events, particularly focusing on the former President Donald Trump, whom she has long critiqued. In a pointed remark, Behar noted Trump’s unusual preoccupation with certain physical attributes, reflecting on her hospital experience, “He’s got a fixation. I mean, even when I went down and went to the hospital, the doctor didn’t even look at my ass like that.”

This exchange prompted laughter from both the panel and the audience, with Haines chiming in, “Did we mention we miss you?” Following this moment of levity, co-host Whoopi Goldberg remarked on the familial bond the show’s cast members develop, especially when one of them is absent. “We become family,” added Haines, emphasising the collective support they share.

Behar concluded her comeback by expressing a heartfelt sentiment towards her co-workers and the crew. “I miss you all very much,” she stated. “All the people who work here, who are so divine. I really do miss the place when I’m not here.” Her remarks highlighted the sense of community and connection that the team shares, reminding viewers that behind the humour and banter lies a strong bond of friendship.

Joy Behar’s return not only brought back her unique spark to *The View* but also served as a reminder of the strong relationships that power the long-running talk show. As she reclaims her seat and navigates recovery, viewers can expect the same sharp wit and insight she has always delivered, alongside moments of genuine emotional resonance.