NEW YORK — ABC’s The View co-host Sunny Hostin has ignited a heated debate after stating that many Black people do not own cars or possess driver’s licenses due to the lingering effects of slavery.

In her comments, Hostin said:

“Many black people don’t have cars. They don’t have drivers licenses, because of the effects of slavery.”

She further suggested that historical slavery continues to prevent many Black Americans from buying homes or advancing economically. The remarks quickly drew strong reactions online, with critics calling them an oversimplification of complex socioeconomic factors, while some supporters praised her for addressing systemic historical impacts.

Hostin’s statement has fueled broader discussions about the long-term consequences of slavery, redlining, discriminatory lending practices, and ongoing economic disparities. Critics argue that attributing current statistics directly to events from over 150 years ago ignores factors such as personal responsibility, education, culture, and modern policy decisions.

Data from various sources shows significant differences in car ownership and homeownership rates across racial groups in the United States, but economists and sociologists often cite multiple contributing factors including income inequality, urban planning, public transportation access, and generational wealth gaps.

The comments come amid ongoing national conversations about race, equity, and historical accountability. Hostin has previously been vocal about issues of systemic racism and their modern-day implications.

As the clip circulates widely on social media, reactions range from strong agreement to outright dismissal. The controversy highlights the deeply polarized nature of discussions around race and history in America today.

No official response from ABC or The View has been issued regarding the backlash. The topic is likely to continue generating debate in the coming days.