Star Jones returned to The View on Wednesday, and this time she talked openly about her gastric-bypass surgery. She also discussed her abrupt departure.
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"It was ugly, everything around was ugly," Jones, 49, said, according to TVGuide.
"It was a bad, emotional time. Nasty things were being said in the media. It was just not a good emotional time."
Jones, who was on the show to promote women's heart health, seemed surprised by Walters' line of questioning about her controversial exit. "I had eight fantastic years here. One was 'eh,' " she said. "I came back to congratulate you on all you accomplished. I hope you congratulate me on what I accomplished."
In 2006, View creator and co-host Barbara Walters revealed to Jones that her contract would not be renewed for a 10th season, and said Jones could say that it was her decision.
Walters and Joy Behar also asked Jones about her 2003 gastric bypass surgery. At the time, Jones refused to confirm she had undergone the procedure, despite her subsequent 160 pound weight loss. "We tried to protect you. We were told, 'Don't say it was gastric [bypass]. Say it was pilates and portion control,' " Behar said. "You are now a skinny b——. Congratulations."
Watch the awkward exchange below:
Read more at TVGuide.
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