Did Joy Behar and Elisabeth Hasselbeck leave The View of their own accord, or were they pushed out?

A new interview with the retirement-bound Barbara Walters all but confirms that it was the latter, despite initial claims that the pair chose to exit ABC’s venerable gabfest.

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“These are not Barbara and Bill’s decisions,” Walters told Variety, referring to herself and View EP Bill Geddie. “The network is also involved. I think the feeling was if one went, both had to leave. We needed to shake things up.”

Jenny McCarthy filled one of the vacant chairs, and guest co-hosts have been brought in to occupy the other. Looking ahead to next season, Walters — who will remain an exec producer on the show — strongly hinted that another right-leaning personality will be added to the mix to keep those Hot Topics segments heated. “We need a conservative voice,” she acknowledged. “We do try to present a different side.”

Walters’ final day co-hosting The View will be Friday, May 16. That same night, ABC will air a two-hour special at 9/8c highlighting her life and career.