Sunny Hostin Stands by Comments on American Flags

The View co-host Sunny Hostin reiterated her feelings about the American flag in neighborhoods during a recent appearance on the “Behind the Table” podcast.

Hostin expressed that seeing multiple American flags in an area makes her feel “unsafe,” standing by her past statements. She explained that this sentiment resonates within the Black community and shared a personal experience from North Carolina.

While visiting White friends at a beach house in the South, Hostin felt “nervous” upon noticing a Confederate flag. She described seeing the flag while surrounded by others in a pickup truck, which prompted concern due to the historical significance of the flag.

“I’m in the South,” Hostin recalled. “I’ve got these two kids with me. I look the way that I look, and I’m walking past a Confederate flag with a group of dudes in a pickup truck on the beach.”

Hostin recounted mentioning the Confederate flag to her hosts, who had become accustomed to its presence over the years. Hostin highlighted the different impact it had on her during a segment of The View discussing America’s 250th anniversary.

During a prior episode in 2021, she stated feeling uncomfortable when walking through neighborhoods displaying numerous American flags. Hostin emphasized that parts of the country equate the American flag with White supremacy, which is a misuse of its symbolism. Her concern stems from widespread associations of the flag with nationalistic groups.

Hostin clarified on the podcast that her issue lies not with the flag itself, but its use as a tool for exclusion. She commented on the flag being appropriated by far-right groups, recalling events like the Capitol insurrection.

“Unfortunately, at this point in our country, the American flag has been co-opted by the far right… they have weaponized the American flag,” Hostin said.

Advocating for change, Hostin supported efforts to reclaim the flag as a symbol of justice, freedom, and equality. She expressed an eagerness to engage in these initiatives.

“I would be very happy to be part of a take the flag back, reclaim the American flag as a symbol of what it should be,” Hostin noted.

Hostin had previously defended MSNBC analyst Mara Gay’s similar sentiments from a 2021 The View episode, mentioning discomfort among Black Americans seeing American and Trump flags in some neighborhoods.