Whoopi Goldberg Reveals Painful Family History in Upcoming Memoir

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In her forthcoming memoir “Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me,” Academy Award-winning actress Whoopi Goldberg opens up about the bittersweet memories of her family, shedding light on some of the darker moments, including her mother’s experience with electroshock treatment.

Goldberg shared on “The View” that her father and grandfather had made the decision for her mother, Emma Johnson, to undergo electroshock treatment for two years during a time when men had the authority to make medical decisions for women. Reflecting on this revelation, Goldberg expressed shock that such practices were once legal, noting the lasting impact on her family.

At just 8 years old, Goldberg found herself grappling with the aftermath of her mother’s hospitalization, with little understanding of the situation at the time. She recounted the lack of communication surrounding her mother’s treatment, emphasizing the cultural norms of that era where such matters were not openly discussed.

Discussing her memoir as a journey through grief following the deaths of her mother and brother, Clyde, Goldberg highlighted the challenges of navigating loss and the misconceptions surrounding expressions of sympathy. She urged empathy for those grappling with grief, acknowledging the difficulty in finding the right words to offer comfort.

“Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me” is set to be released on May 7, offering readers a poignant exploration of family, memory, and resilience.