Former talk show host/author Star Jones returned to The View Wednesday, almost six years after she left the show under unpleasant circumstances.
“It was ugly, everything around was ugly,” Jones reflecteded. “It was a bad, emotional time. Nasty things were being said in the media. It was just not a good emotional time.” Jones, who was on the show to promote women’s heart health, seemed surprised by Walters’ line of questioning about her controversial exit. “I had eight fantastic years here. One was ‘eh,'” she said. “I came back to congratulate you on all you accomplished. I hope you congratulate me on what I accomplished.”
“I take real responsibility for my own behavior at all times, but I won’t take responsibility if have not made a decision I can live with. I made the decision to go out on my own terms,” Jones said. “I wanted to be able to control it so when I walk back in here, if I were ever invited, I would feel good about coming in.”
Jones was unapologetic about her initial decision to stay mum on her 2003 gastric-bypass surgery. At the time, Jones refused to confirm she had undergone the procedure, despite her subsequent 160 pound weight loss. She wasn’t “emotionally ready” to discuss her “private way of deciding to lose weight.”
“Because we loved you, we did lie for you,” Walters reminded her, acknowledging that she and the hosts of the show credited Jones dramatic weight loss to “portion control” and “Pilates.”
“We were very worried about you,” Walters added. “You look great, you look healthy. We are really happy that you’re back.”
For her part, Jones was glad to be back, too. Following her appearance, she tweeted, “Fun @theviewtv. It is easy to walk through the PAST when your present is so good & your FUTURE is so promising.”
