Fact Check: The Viral Rumor Of Joy Behar's Shocking Airport Arrest Debunked

The internet is currently ablaze with sensational claims suggesting that long-time co-host of The View, Joy Behar, was recently arrested at an airport while attempting to leave the country. As of today, December 17, 2025, a deep dive into reliable news sources and official reports reveals a clear and definitive truth: this claim is entirely false and is a prime example of viral misinformation. The persistent rumor, which has gained significant traction across social media and certain video platforms, is completely baseless and has been thoroughly debunked by multiple fact-checking organizations.

The shocking headlines and video thumbnails, often featuring dramatic language like "FBI ARRESTS Joy Behar" or "Trying to Flee the Country," are designed purely for clickbait. This article will break down the exact origin of the false narrative, the specifics of the alleged $50 million lawsuit that supposedly triggered the arrest, and what Behar herself has said about the "crazy stories" circulating online.

Joy Behar: A Quick Biography and Profile

Joy Behar, born Josephine Victoria Occhiuto, is one of the most recognizable and enduring figures in American daytime television. Her career spans decades, moving from stand-up comedy to a permanent seat on one of TV's most influential talk shows. This profile provides a quick look at the woman at the center of the recent airport arrest rumors.

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• Full Name: Josephine Victoria Occhiuto (later changed to Joy Behar)
• Date of Birth: October 7, 1942
• Age: 83 (as of December 2025)
• Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Occupation: Comedian, Television Host, Actress, Writer
• Best Known For: Co-host of the ABC talk show The View (1997–2013, 2015–present).
• Education: B.A. in Sociology from Queens College; M.A. in English Education from Stony Brook University.
• Early Career: Started as a stand-up comedian in the early 1980s. She also worked as a receptionist and a high school English teacher.
• Personal Life: Married to Steve Janowitz (since 2011); previously married to Joe Behar (1965–1981). She has one daughter, Eve Behar.
• Notable Roles: Beyond The View, she has appeared in films like Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993) and hosted her own shows, including The Joy Behar Show (2009–2011) on HLN.
• Political Stance: Known for her strong liberal and progressive political commentary.

The Shocking Truth Behind the "Arrested at Airport" Rumor

The sensational story of Joy Behar's arrest is a textbook case of how misinformation spreads in the digital age. The core claim is that Behar was apprehended by the FBI at an airport—sometimes specified as trying to flee the country—due to a massive $50 million defamation lawsuit.

The $50 Million Lawsuit Claim: A Fictional Catalyst

The narrative is consistently tied to an alleged $50 million defamation lawsuit. The supposed plaintiff in this lawsuit is often named as Caroline Leavitt, a former Republican congressional candidate. The rumor suggests that Behar made defamatory comments about Leavitt on The View, leading to the massive legal action and the subsequent arrest warrant.

However, no credible, mainstream news outlet—such as the Associated Press, Reuters, or major network news—has ever reported on a $50 million lawsuit filed by Caroline Leavitt against Joy Behar. Furthermore, there are no official court records or filings that confirm the existence of such a case. The lawsuit itself appears to be an entirely fabricated element designed to lend false credibility to the arrest story.

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The Role of AI and Clickbait Videos

The vast majority of the "breaking news" reports regarding the alleged arrest originate from YouTube channels and obscure websites that specialize in sensational, unverified content. Many of these videos utilize AI-generated voices and manipulated images to create a convincing, yet entirely fake, news report.

Fact-checking sites have explicitly pointed out that the videos claiming Behar’s arrest are based on AI-generated content. These channels profit from the high click-through rates and ad revenue generated by shocking, curiosity-driven headlines, regardless of their factual accuracy. This practice is a growing problem, using celebrity names and dramatic scenarios to trick search algorithms and users.

What Joy Behar Said About the "Crazy Stories"

Joy Behar herself has indirectly addressed the barrage of bizarre and false rumors circulating about her online, including the airport arrest claim. In a recent interview, she discussed the sheer volume of "crazy stories" that appear about her and her co-hosts, such as rumors about her dismissal from The View or her relationship with Whoopi Goldberg.

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Behar’s comments confirm that the airport arrest story is just one of many fictional narratives that she and other public figures must contend with. Her continued presence on The View, where she appears live multiple times a week, serves as the most powerful and obvious debunking of the claim that she was arrested or is currently "fleeing the country."

Why Do These Rumors Persist?

The rumor of Joy Behar's arrest is a classic example of a "sticky" piece of misinformation. It combines several elements that guarantee virality:

• Celebrity Status: Joy Behar is a high-profile, often controversial figure.
• High Stakes: An arrest, the FBI, and a $50 million lawsuit are inherently dramatic.
• Political Polarization: As a strong liberal voice, the rumor appeals to those who oppose her political views, making them more likely to share it without verification.
• Plausibility (to some): Her controversial comments on The View make the idea of her facing legal trouble seem plausible to those unfamiliar with the facts.

The continuous search volume for "Joy Behar arrested at airport" proves the rumor's staying power, even long after it has been fact-checked. The initial shock value overrides critical thinking for many users.

Fact-Checking the Key Entities and Claims

To provide topical authority on this subject, it is essential to categorize the key entities involved in the rumor and state the verified facts about them:

The Claim: Joy Behar Arrested by FBI

Status: FALSE. There are no police reports, official statements from the FBI, or credible news reports confirming any arrest of Joy Behar at any airport, or anywhere else. Her regular appearances on The View confirm her freedom and location.

The Entity: The $50 Million Defamation Lawsuit

Status: FALSE. No public court documents or verified reports from legal correspondents confirm a $50 million defamation lawsuit filed by Caroline Leavitt or anyone else against Joy Behar.

The Entity: Caroline Leavitt

Status: REAL PERSON. Caroline Leavitt is a real Republican political figure. However, the claim that she has filed a $50 million lawsuit against Behar is unverified and appears to be part of the fictional narrative. The use of a real person's name makes the fake story seem more legitimate.

The Entity: The View

Status: REAL SHOW. Joy Behar is a current, active co-host. The show continues to air live, which directly contradicts any rumor of her being incarcerated or on the run.

In conclusion, while the search query "Joy Behar arrested at airport" is highly active and the headlines are dramatic, the story is entirely fabricated. It is a fabricated tale driven by AI-generated content and the desire for viral clicks. Users are strongly advised to rely only on established, reputable news sources for information regarding public figures like Joy Behar.