A Staten Island bakery has seen a surge in business following accusations by Whoopi Goldberg, who claimed the shop refused to fulfill her order due to her political beliefs. Holtermann’s, a family-owned bakery since 1878, has denied the allegations, attributing initial difficulties to equipment issues.

During an episode of ABC’s The View, Goldberg alleged that a bakery declined her order for Charlotte Russe desserts, implying political bias. She stated the desserts were eventually retrieved by someone else without using her name. Goldberg didn’t name the bakery, but viewers quickly identified Holtermann’s as the source of the desserts.

Bakery owner Jill Holtermann refuted the claims, explaining that issues with their boilers initially complicated the order. “I didn’t want to make a commitment I couldn’t carry through,” she said, adding that they ultimately managed to produce 50 desserts. Holtermann emphasized that her employees were unaware of Goldberg’s identity or political affiliations.

The controversy has resulted in overwhelming support for Holtermann’s. The bakery has sold out of goods multiple days in a row, with shelves emptied by customers eager to show solidarity. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for all the incredible support,” the bakery wrote in an Instagram post.

Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella (R) held a press conference outside the bakery, calling for an apology from Goldberg. “The people who defamed the Holtermann family should apologize for making stuff up to suit their needs,” he said. New York State Assembly Member Mike Tannousis (R) also criticized Goldberg’s remarks, linking them to broader elitist attitudes he believes voters rejected in recent elections.

Goldberg later doubled down on her claim in an Instagram video, calling the situation “a little odd.” Legal experts have suggested that Holtermann’s could have grounds for a defamation lawsuit, as the bakery’s identity was quickly deduced despite not being named directly.