JUST IN: ABC released official statement to confirm that there will be no contract renewal for Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar because they are too toxic.

Daily Mail Online has learned that the return of Behar was an ‘eleventh hour decision’ that was not told to Goldberg.

Behar initially declined ABC’s offer to return as a contributor, expressing during an interview with WBAZ’s Walker Vreeland: ‘They wouldn’t really negotiate well enough for me, and so I said, “No, I’m not coming to you.’’ ‘

The 72-year-old comedienne went on to confess she does not ‘identify with the power structure’ currently at the show, which sources said was a direct dig at Goldberg.

‘It’s no secret that Whoopi is behind the hiring of Raven and Michelle. She also wanted Sherri back and is a big fan of Stacey London.

Whoopi picks the Hot Topics and nixes stories and segments she dislikes. Joy is used to the show being a democracy, but felt when she guest-hosted it had become ‘Whoopi & Her Sidekicks,’ an insider told Daily Mail Online.

ABC decided to approach Behar again after deciding to go live on The View’s Friday broadcast – something they hope will also help boost ratings. The Friday broadcasts of The View have been taped since Rosie O’Donnell first joined the show in 2006. Goldberg was adamant that she would not work on Fridays.

‘Not only did she remind the network that she’s only contracted to work four days a week, but she challenged Raven and Michelle to institute their contractual clauses as well. Neither one of them wanted to ruffle feathers since they’re new on the job, so they conceded and Whoopi lost out,’ the source explained.