Barry Manilow says he has backed out of his scheduled appearance on the morning talk show – The View, after the show refused to pull Hasselbeck from the interview, Access Hollywood has learned.

He Says on his Web Site…

“I wanted to let you know that I will no longer be on The View tomorrow as scheduled.
I had made a request that I be interviewed by Joy, Barbara or Whoopi,
but not Elisabeth Hasselback . Unfortunately, the show was not willing to
accommodate this simple request so I bowed out. It’s really too bad because
I’ve always been a big supporter of the show, but I cannot compromise my beliefs.
The good news is that I will be on a whole slew of other shows promoting
the new album so I hope you can catch me on those.”

Sources close to “The View” claim Manilow is lying.

Sources told Access the show is the one who cancelled the booking
because they would not allow the “Copacabana” singer to
dictate who would interview him.

Sources suggest Manilow is causing a stir in order to
create a buzz as his new album, “Greatest Songs of the Seventies,”
is getting ready to debut.

The Bottom Line: The only reason we are reporting on Barry Manilow is not because we are a fan, but its something that artists can learn from in this new media world. Be truthful. You cannot dictate the press. The Middle is dead. I remember being backstage at a Manilow concert and he made everybody turn their heads when he entered into the room. I don’t know if he suffered from a god complex or paranoia, regardless – it struck me as bizarre and since then, I could never connect to his
music – Although, I will admit that he has great voice.

Lastly, Manilow said he bailed because he wouldn’t compromise his beliefs. What beliefs Barry? Since he didn’t explain his beliefs, its certainly something he wouldn’t die for…