The View Co-Hosts Challenge Elon Musk Over Casting Commentary
Whoopi Goldberg and Sunny Hostin have delivered pointed responses to billionaire Elon Musk regarding his recent comments about rumored casting in Christopher Nolan's upcoming adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey. The controversy erupted when Musk used his X platform to criticize the potential casting of Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o as the mythological figure Helen of Troy.
Musk's Controversial Take on Casting
Last week, Elon Musk declared that director Christopher Nolan "lost his integrity" in response to online discussions about Nyong'o potentially portraying Helen. Musk echoed arguments from some social media users who claimed the casting wouldn't align with traditional descriptions of Helen as "fair skinned, blonde, and 'the face that launched a thousand ships.'"
While Nyong'o - daughter of Kenyan politician Anyang' Nyong'o - appears among the all-star cast listed on IMDb for Nolan's film, her specific role has not been officially confirmed by the production team. The movie is scheduled for release in July.
Goldberg's Fiery Defense of Nyong'o
Whoopi Goldberg launched the counterattack by reminding Musk that Nyong'o is widely recognized as one of the "world's most beautiful women" and suggested the billionaire simply doesn't need to watch the film if he objects to the casting.
"I don't know why you feel like you need to speak on this," Goldberg stated emphatically. "And I would suggest looking in a mirror if you have any concerns about people's looks, if this is where we're going. And don't bother to try to clown me, baby, I know what I look like! You know, there's so many things I want to say to you that are rude and awful, but I won't do it. But know that I'm thinking it."
Hostin's Broader Critique of Musk's Perspective
Sunny Hostin joined the discussion with a philosophical approach to the casting debate, noting that "anyone can play a fictional character" like Helen and that "beauty, in and of itself, is subjective."
"There is no standard of beauty. It doesn't have to be a white person that plays this part," Hostin asserted before connecting Musk's comments to what she described as his history of promoting divisive racial narratives.
Hostin referenced Musk's amplification of posts calling for "white solidarity" and warnings about white men potentially being "slaughtered" if they become a minority. She also noted Musk's previous comments about white people being a "rapidly diminishing minority" globally and his accusations against the South African government regarding racial policies.
"And so we know what this is. He is a white supremacist. In my view, he is a racist. And I think we call a thing a thing," Hostin concluded bluntly.
Goldberg's Final Word on Artistic Freedom
Moments after Hostin's commentary, Goldberg wrapped up the segment with a direct message aimed at Musk regarding creative decisions in filmmaking: "When it comes to artistic stuff, go sit down, please!"
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between entertainment industry figures and tech billionaires who increasingly weigh in on cultural matters, particularly around issues of representation and artistic interpretation in major film productions.
