Sara Haines Talks ‘The View’ Slap Scandal, Insists She Gave Cohost Whoopi Goldberg ‘Love Taps’

Things got a little handsy recently on The View — but don’t worry, it was all in good fun… at least, according to Sara Haines.

The cohost is clearing the air after she and Whoopi Goldberg were caught on camera playfully slapping each other during an April 23 interview with Justin Theroux and Kate Hudson, who were there to promote season 3 of Running Point.

During the Wednesday, May 6 show’s Behind the Table podcast, Haines, 48, brushed off the viral moment as nothing serious.

“It was literally like love taps,” she said, explaining that she tapped Goldberg’s arm during a conversation — and the Ghost actress, 70, jokingly hit back.

Still, not everyone was laughing. Executive producer Brian Teta chimed in with a gentle scolding, telling Haines they need to “keep your hands to yourself,” joking that the pair acted “like 2-year-olds” mid-interview.

Haines admitted she’s naturally “a feeler” and tends to be physically expressive, especially around Goldberg, who she described as an “icon” for her EGOT status. Haines added that she can’t believe she gets to sit beside Goldberg every day.

Either way, Haines insists there’s no bad blood — just a little unscripted chaos at the Hot Topics table.