Star Jones Reynolds versus Barbara Walters: celebrity fight-club, take two

By Stone Martindale Jun 29, 2006, 18:29 GMT

Star Jones Reynolds has launched a media orchestrated counterattack after Barbara Walters “what upped” her on yesterday's edition of The View.

In an interview with the Daily News, Jones-Reynolds “fought back” after she felt let down and that was no longer welcome on set.

"For Barbara to say she felt betrayed is the height of hypocrisy," Jones Reynolds said last night.

“Walters, who opened yesterday's show with the remark: ‘And then there were three,’ told viewers she was “surprised when Jones Reynolds interrupted Tuesday's broadcast to say she was quitting.”

"We gave her time to look for another job and hoped that she would announce it on this program and leave with dignity," said Walters, confirming Jones Reynolds' contract for a 10th season had not been renewed…but Star made another choice."

Countering Walter’s statements, Jones-Reynolds went on record with reporter Jawn Murray, Jones Reynolds said “she was humiliated by Walters' decision not only to let her go but to hire archenemy Rosie O'Donnell as co-host.”

"Rosie had attacked me on every single evening entertainment program," said Jones-Reynolds. "Barbara used that week to call her and invite her to be part of a show that I helped launch nine years ago."

O'Donnell has publicly criticized Jones for not being honest with the methods used for Jones-Reynolds shocking 150-pound weight loss, due to gastric bypass surgery.

In the Daily News report, an unnamed source at The View said the staff was glad to see the back of Jones Reynolds, adding: "Star has very effectively alienated everybody on the show."