The Wrap reported yesterday that, according to an insider, the network feels the panel they put together for The View last September skews too old. ABC is now looking to replace Rosie Perez with a panelist who appeals to younger viewers.
On the short list, reportedly, is Laverne Cox from Orange is the New Black and Glee star, Naya Rivera. Both actresses have had several opportunities to guest host the morning talker.
The rumor arrives during Perez’s month long hiatus from the show to appear in the Broadway production of Larry David‘s Fish in the Dark. Sources report the break will become permanent.
An ABC representative issued a statement denying that Perez is leaving the daytime show. And this morning, host Rosie O’Donnell shot down the reports, with added explicatives.
“And no matter what you read anywhere, Rosie Perez is also coming back after she is done rehearsing her play…regardless of what you hear in other shows or read in magazines as I did last night at 11:40 and went what the…” At that point, the censors went to work. The camera cut away and her cursing was bleeped.
Speaking of Naya Rivera, she started a little controversy of her own this week when she guest hosted twice. She joked that showering is a “white people thing,” which sparked an immediate negative social media reaction. She apologized the following day to “anybody who might be offended.”
