Alyssa Farah Griffin expresses disapproval towards Joy Behar during a heated debate on 'The View'.

The ABC talk show discussed Meta's decision to loosen its content restrictions and discontinue its fact-checking program.

Alyssa Farah Griffin expresses disapproval towards Joy Behar during a heated debate on 'The View'.
Alyssa Farah Griffin expresses disapproval towards Joy Behar during a heated debate on 'The View'.

On Wednesday's episode of "The View," the co-hosts engaged in a heated debate about the boundaries of free speech.

On Tuesday, Meta announced the end of its fact-checking program, which has been viewed as a victory for free speech by many.

While some panel members expressed concern that this might result in more "hate speech" on social media, Sunny Hostin argued that it was a separate matter.

"Hostin stated that there is a distinction between free speech and hate speech. While free speech is generally accepted, it is a constitutional right. However, when hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation are involved, there is a problem."

Alyssa Farah Griffin on The View
"The View" co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin defended the right to offensive speech. (Screenshot/ABC News)

Alyssa Farah Griffin, a former Trump administration staffer, stated that while there is certainly pressure to discuss issues openly due to Trump's arrival in office, there is also a cultural and societal need to have these conversations.

Liberals were once known for their support of free speech, with the famous saying being, 'I may not agree with what you say, but I'll defend your right to say it.'

Whoopi Goldberg interrupted, "I will not defend to the death my right to call myself..."

Griffin protested, arguing that she was unable to complete a sentence while Hostin was given 20 minutes to speak, prompting Goldberg to caution her to "be courteous."

"Griffin emphasized that hate speech, which incites violence, is not legally protected under the First Amendment. While it is acceptable to express opinions that may offend others, individuals have the right to do so under the First Amendment. The fact that speech is being policed because it makes people uncomfortable or offends them is a violation of free speech."

"Often on social media, people choose to label me as..." Goldberg interrupted, using profanity.

Goldberg and Farah Griffin
Griffin also sparred with Whoopi Goldberg over not being able to finish her thoughts. (ABC/The View/Screenshot)

She later contended, "There are certain things we all concur on, kid, you shouldn't be uttering that. That is not stifling your freedom of speech, it's requesting [someone] to acknowledge that individuals don't wish to hear that word when it pertains to them."

Co-host Joy Behar asserted that hate speech is predominantly directed from the "majority" towards the "minority."

"As a child, I felt that being labeled a pizza maker was offensive to me, so I understand and have empathy for those who feel the same way when their group is being mocked in a hurtful manner. However, it's important to note that the people engaging in this behavior are not from minority groups, but rather from the majority."

Griffin objected, asserting that "all individuals present receive hate speech."

Alyssa Farah Griffin and Joy Behar
Alyssa Farah Griffin and Joy Behar got into a tense exchange over free speech and hate speech. (Photo by Sylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images | Photo by Lorenzo Bevilaqua/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)

No one finishes a sentence here anymore, Behar remarked as Griffin rolled her eyes.

Griffin accused the panel of hypocrisy, stating that they "all act like we're for free speech when it's the things we like," while Goldberg countered, asserting that this was "not true."

Griffin criticized Hostin for implying that Trump's first election in 2016 caused an increase in hate speech.

"Griffin stated that no social media platform has ever existed where users cannot insult others. He clarified that this is not a recent development due to Donald Trump's election, as it has always been untrue."

by Lindsay Kornick

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