Elisabeth Hasselbeck

Barbara Walters opened Monday's episode of The View by knocking down widespread reports that Elisabeth Hasselbeck would not be returning to the ABC talk show to the after this season.

"There is a particularly false story that keeps getting picked up about Elisabeth's alleged departure, saying that we don't approve of her conservative views," Walters said. "The truth is we love Elisabeth. I like her personally and she's just a wonderful person. But beyond that, we value and appreciate her point of view because Elisabeth helps give the show perspective and balance. ... So we have no plans for Elisabeth to leave the show."



TV Scorecard: What's renewed? What's canceled?

Last week, Us Weekly reported that Hasselbeck was told her contract would not be renewed, but a rep for the show said that was untrue. The news broke one day after Hasselbeck's co-host Joy Behar announced she was leaving the show. On Monday, Walters called that news "bittersweet."

Trim the budget! TV characters we want to get rid of

The other two hosts, Sherri Shepherd and Whoopi Goldberg, are expected to return.

See Walters' full remarks below:

What's your opinion of Hasselbeck? Should she stay or should she go?