Harris Faulkner Reflects on The View Clash and Opens Up About Family Struggles

Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner has opened up about a powerful moment in her career and her personal life, shedding light on the challenges she’s faced both professionally and as a mother. In a candid interview, Faulkner discussed the fallout from her tense appearance on The View in 2018, a confrontation that left a lasting impact on her and ignited a broader conversation about personal boundaries, media bias, and the expectations placed on women in broadcast journalism.

The Showdown on The View: A Moment of Personal Invasion

The drama unfolded during a 2018 segment on The View, where Faulkner was invited to promote her book. What was intended to be a straightforward discussion quickly took a personal turn when The View co-host Sunny Hostin brought up Faulkner’s family, specifically her biracial children. Faulkner, a Black woman married to media professional Tony Berlin, found herself thrust into an uncomfortable conversation about race when a photo of her children appeared on screen behind her.

Hostin, who is Black and Puerto Rican, asked Faulkner about her responsibility to the Black community, prompting a tense exchange that left Faulkner feeling violated. “They had put a picture of my biracial children on a huge digital wall behind me, and she took the conversation to race,” Faulkner later reflected. “I knew my kids would be watching.”

While Faulkner remained composed during the interview, she described the experience as an invasion of privacy. “I was there to discuss my career, my book, my values,” she said. “But I wasn’t prepared to have my children’s images used in a discussion that I didn’t control.”

The Fallout: A Breach of Trust and Public Backlash

The incident sparked immediate backlash from Faulkner’s supporters, who criticized The View for crossing a line by involving her children in the conversation. Many viewers expressed anger over the intrusion, calling it an inappropriate tactic for the sake of sensationalism.

Faulkner, who has always been a private person when it comes to her family, was particularly upset by the lack of respect for her boundaries. “I’ve spent years building my career on my ability to control the narrative, to stick to facts,” she explained. “But in that moment, the narrative was no longer in my hands.”

The Call for Respect and Boundaries

After the incident, Faulkner took to social media and in interviews to reiterate her belief in setting boundaries—both personally and professionally. She emphasized the importance of transparency in journalism, but noted the fine line between transparency and exploitation. “It’s about respect,” Faulkner explained. “Respect for the work you do, and respect for the life you choose to share.”

Her remarks resonated deeply with many fans, who rallied behind her in support. “Why do we have to dive into personal lives to get to the real story?” one fan wrote on social media. “Let people decide when and how they want to share about their families.” Faulkner’s stance became a powerful reminder that personal lives should not be used as fodder for public entertainment, particularly when it comes to individuals who are already in the public eye.

The Broader Issue: Media Culture and Gender Dynamics

The incident on The View highlighted a larger issue facing women in broadcast journalism: the pressure to reveal personal details for the sake of ratings and attention. Faulkner’s reflection on the experience points to a broader problem in the media landscape, where women are often expected to disclose intimate parts of their lives while maintaining their professional personas. This expectation is not typically placed on male counterparts in the same way.

Faulkner pointed out that women in the media, particularly those in high-profile positions, are frequently held to different standards. “Women in the media are often expected to offer up pieces of their personal lives for public consumption,” she said. “And when we don’t, we’re seen as aloof or defensive. But I’m not here to perform for anyone. I’m here to inform, and I’m here to do my job.”

The Rise of The Faulkner Focus: A New Chapter

In 2025, Faulkner launched her new show, The Faulkner Focus, which has quickly become a success, earning praise for its in-depth analysis and her candid approach to news. The show allows Faulkner to reclaim control over the narrative and engage in more meaningful political discourse without the intrusion of personal matters.

“This is my space,” Faulkner said about her new platform. “I’m not here to pander or perform. I’m here to ask the questions that need to be asked and to give people the news they can trust.”

The Faulkner Focus has given her the opportunity to address the issues she feels are most important, such as politics, social justice, and current events, without the distractions of personal invasions that have often marred her public life.

A Lesson in Professionalism and Personal Integrity

Faulkner’s ability to handle the tension surrounding her The View experience is a testament to her professionalism. Her ability to navigate through the discomfort, set boundaries, and speak out about the importance of privacy is a lesson for women in media everywhere. She has shown that it is possible to maintain professional integrity and not let personal attacks or breaches of privacy derail one’s career.

Her journey also highlights the importance of standing up for oneself, both in personal relationships and in public life. For Faulkner, the message is clear: while transparency is crucial, personal boundaries must be respected. “It’s not about playing it safe,” she said. “It’s about knowing when to engage and when to hold back. Not every battle is worth fighting on public television. But when it matters, I will fight for the truth, and I will fight for the respect of everyone involved.”

The Future of Harris Faulkner: Stronger Than Ever

As Faulkner moves forward with The Faulkner Focus, it’s clear that she is more focused than ever on delivering meaningful news and advocating for the issues that matter most to her. Her commitment to truth, professionalism, and authenticity has only grown stronger since her 2018 encounter on The View. The public’s respect for Faulkner has only deepened, as her willingness to confront difficult situations and stand up for her principles has solidified her as a trusted voice in the media.

With The Faulkner Focus continuing to rise in prominence, Faulkner’s influence in the world of journalism is more powerful than ever. She has proven that, even in the face of adversity, it is possible to stay true to one’s values and succeed while maintaining personal integrity. The lessons she learned from her The View experience have helped her forge a new path, one that emphasizes respect for both herself and her audience, and one that challenges the norms of media discourse.

Conclusion: A Powerful Legacy of Resilience

Harris Faulkner’s experience on The View in 2018, while difficult, has become a defining moment in her career. It marked the start of a new chapter, one where she became an advocate for maintaining personal boundaries while holding steadfast to her professional integrity. Her journey is a powerful reminder that, even in the face of personal challenges and media scrutiny, it is possible to rise above and make an impact.

As Faulkner continues to break new ground with The Faulkner Focus, her legacy in the world of broadcast journalism will undoubtedly continue to inspire and shape the future of political discourse. Her strength, resilience, and commitment to truth have made her a beacon of professionalism, setting an example for future generations of journalists.