Jenny McCarthy Defended by 'The View'

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, October 17, 2013

"The View" is denying the report that Jenny McCarthy is unpopular with the show's viewers and that she is set for replacement this week.

Reports on Monday indicated that McCarthy was met with low reception on the talk show, and that viewers "tune out" what the actress says on air ever since she joined the show last month.

Furthermore, rumors sprouted that Elisabeth Hasselbeck who left "The View" for Fox News' "Fox and Friends" would replace the show's newest host.

However, "The View" said that there is "no truth" to the indications that McCarthy is unpopular with viewers.

"There is absolutely no truth to this story," an ABC spokeswoman told TheWrap.

Meanwhile, Monday's reports referred to "deep research" on how "The View" audience members were receiving McCarthy.

"ABC has begun doing deep research on Jenny's work on the show and the initial findings are that viewers want to tune out the second she opens her mouth," an insider told Radar Online. "The data has revealed that she is far more off-putting than Elizabeth [Hasselbeck]."

Since Hasselbeck's departure from "The View," the host has enjoyed bolstered ratings on "Fox and Friends" where she apparently feels at home.

"Elizabeth's warm and engaging personality made her a star on 'The View,'" Fox News chief Roger Ailes said in an official statement at the time of the change. "She has proven to be an excellent conversationalist and I am certain she will make a great addition to our already successful morning franchise."

Alternately, McCarthy remains a controversial figure since the actress used her celebrity status to voice her views on vaccinations. She famously blamed her son's autism on vaccinations he had received as a small child, setting off a frenzy of debate that continues today.

"Right now they're just trying to adjust to Jenny's performance on the show so that she comes off as more appealing, but that's an uphill battle," the insider at Radar Online added.

Nevertheless, "View" ratings have maintained a steady pace, slipping only slightly since McCarthy's entrance, according to TheWrap.

"The View" airs weekdays on ABC at 11 a.m. EST.