Whoopi Goldberg just landed a lead role in ABC's comedy pilot "Delores & Jermaine," but new reports claim she might have to turn down the role because she can't leave "The View."
Sources told Page Six that the 59-year-old comedienne wanted to vacate her role as moderator on the daytime talk show but executives banned her from leaving because of Rosie O'Donnell's sudden exit.
"Whoopi had the offer to play Delores, but ABC pulled the offer right before President's Day weekend," the source said.
On Tuesday, Goldberg denied the claims, telling Page Six that everything was fine and her contract with "The View" allows her to accept other job offers.
"I'm trying to get on 'Empire' and ABC has a show that they want me to do ... I've always been able to come and go as I choose," she said. "It's been in the contract to allow me to go and make movies if I wanted to or do something if I wanted to."
"But it's a lot of work to go and do two or three jobs at the same time," Goldberg added. "I'm getting older, and I don't want to work that hard. So we'll see how it all works out."
Goldberg also told Page Six that she's "happy" as moderator of "The View" despite reports that she was trying to get out of her contract because she was feuding with O'Donnell."
"I'm working. I never put down the fact that I have a really good job, but I also have bosses," she said. "They make decisions ... sometimes you don't like them and you have to live with them."
"Delores & Jermaine" is about a guy named Jermaine (played by comedian Jermaine Fowler) who has big ideas but lacks drive. After getting kicked out of his house, Jermaine has to move in with his grandmother (Goldberg), who left the D.C. police force and is now a football-loving shut-in.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Goldberg's role on "Delores & Jermaine" will not affect her gig at "The View."
