Jenny McCarthy: 'The View' Debut Not Without Controversy for Former Playboy Model
Jenny McCarthy made her highly anticipated and controversial debut as the newest member of the long running talk show "The View" on Monday.
McCarthy joins the show for its 17th season, which will be the last season for host Barbara Walters and the first for McCarthy.
The decision to pick McCarthy has not been without controversy due to the former model's anti-vaccine campaigns which have been denounced by numerous health organizations. McCarthy's son Evan is autistic and has advocated against vaccines by calling them a cause of autism.
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McCarthy was, however, excited about her new role on the popular talk show.
"I'm beyond thrilled," said the comedian-actress in a statement. "I look forward to helping make hot topics a little bit hotter, and showing my mom that my interrupting skills have finally paid off."
"Holy crap," McCarthy wrote in blog post on the Chicago Sun-Times The Splash. "People keep asking me if I'm nervous. I have to be honest - not yet. Usually my nerves are more excitement-based, but I have a feeling I will be running into the bathroom at least a few times an hour before we go live on Monday."
"My sole mission while co-hosting The View is to inspire, entertain and engage in conversations that matter to the viewers," McCarthy added. "I have no personal agenda other than to spiritually grow from the life experiences that come with this job."
This was only one of the changes to the long-running morning talk show. Longtime co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck moved to Fox News recently and Joy Behar announced that she is retiring next month.
"Jenny brings us intelligence as well as warmth and humor," the 83-year-old Walters said in a statement after news of the new co-host broke.
"She can be serious and outrageous. She has connected with our audience and offers a fresh point of view. Jenny will be a great addition to the show as we usher in an exciting new chapter of 'The View.'"
The show airs Mondays at 11 a.m. ET.
