A fiery debate broke out on ABC’s The View Wednesday morning after moderator Whoopi Goldberg pushed back on comparisons between human rights conditions in Iran and the United States, arguing that black Americans still face hardships equal to those living under the Iranian regime.

Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin highlighted Iran’s brutal treatment of marginalized groups.

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“Let’s remember, the Iranians literally throw gay people off buildings,” Farah Griffin said. “They don’t adhere to basic human rights or international law.”

But Goldberg pushed back immediately, challenging the idea that the United States holds the moral high ground.

“Let’s not do that,” Goldberg said. “Because if we start with that, we have been known in this country to tie gay folks to the car,” referencing past hate crimes. “We used to just keep hanging black people.”

“That is not even the same,” Farah Griffin responded.

“It is the same,” Goldberg insisted.

As the conversation escalated, Farah Griffin reiterated: “The year 2025 in the United States is nothing like if I stepped foot wearing this outfit in Tehran right now. I can’t have my hair showing. I can’t wear a shirt. I can’t have my arms out.”

But Goldberg remained resolute. “That’s why I’m saying it is the same. Murdering someone for their difference is not good, whoever does it,” she said, prompting audience applause.

“I think it’s very different living in the United States in 2025 than it is in Iran,” Farah Griffin reiterated.

“Not if you’re black,” Goldberg shot back.

“Not for everybody,” Sunny Hostin added in agreement.

Goldberg continued, saying, “This is the greatest country in the world — but every day, we have to worry about our kids getting shot,” referring to racial disparities and gun violence in the U.S.

Farah Griffin acknowledged that America has deep-rooted problems but argued that it’s still critical to maintain perspective: “There are places much darker than this country, and there are people who deserve rights.”

“Not everybody feels that way,” Goldberg replied. “Listen, I’m sorry. When you think about the fact that we got the vote in 1965…”

“They don’t have free and fair elections in Iran,” Farah Griffin interrupted. “It’s not even the same universe.”

“Women can’t even leave the house,” added co-host Sara Haines.

“You know what,” Goldberg sighed, “There’s no way I can make you understand.”

Co-host Joy Behar tried to reframe the discussion by encouraging empathy. “Reverse roles with a black person in this country,” she said. “From that point of view, this country does not do them well.”

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Farah Griffin agreed that marginalized communities face injustice in the U.S. but reiterated, “Iran is significantly worse.”

The segment ended in a storm of overlapping voices before Goldberg cut to commercial, telling the audience, “We’re going to come back.”