Whoopi Goldberg Slams Elon Musk, Implies He is “Ugly” Over Lupita Nyong’o Casting Backlash in ‘The Odyssey’

Whoopi Goldberg took a stand on Tuesday’s episode of The View, firing back at billionaire Elon Musk after his recent public criticism of Lupita Nyong’o’s potential role in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming blockbuster, The Odyssey.

Musk made headlines over the weekend after he replied to rumors that the Kenyan-Mexican Oscar winner would portray Helen of Troy, writing that director Christopher Nolan had lost his integrity. Musk was amplifying another user’s post that claimed casting the Black Panther star would make the film’s premise incoherent because the character was traditionally described as fair-skinned and blonde.

Chris Nolan has lost his integrity

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 31, 2026

Addressing Musk directly from the Hot Topics table, Goldberg was quick to point out the absurdity of his critiques regarding a mythological figure. Ooh, you know, because Homer described this fictional character as fair-skinned, blonde, who was so beautiful that men started a war over her, she noted, before reminding the Tesla CEO of Nyong’o’s own status as a global beauty icon.

I don’t know if you realize this, Lupita is also considered one of the world’s most beautiful women. So, I’m not sure what you’re trying to say. You don’t actually have to go to the movie, she said.

Goldberg didn’t stop there, suggesting Musk should focus on himself before critiquing others. I would suggest looking in a mirror if you have any concerns about people’s looks, if this is where we’re going, she continued. Anticipating a social media retort from the X owner, she added, And don’t bother to try to clown me, baby, I know what I look like. There are 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.

Cohost Sunny Hostin also shared her perspective, emphasizing that beauty is subjective and that Musk’s history on the internet suggests a pattern. He has trafficked in white supremacy on the internet, Hostin alleged, while cohost Sara Haines quipped that Musk might be shocked to learn that Jesus is Middle Eastern. Despite the social media friction, Nolan’s The Odyssey remains the most anticipated film of 2026, set to hit theaters on July 17.

Christopher Nolan’s epic retelling of Homer’s ancient poem features a massive ensemble of A-list talent. Matt Damon leads as the king of Ithaca, Odysseus, alongside Tom Holland as his son Telemachus, and Anne Hathaway as his faithful wife, Penelope.

The cast is rounded out by Robert Pattinson as the suitor Antinous, Zendaya as the goddess Athena, Charlize Theron as Circe, and Jon Bernthal as Menelaus. The $250 million production is notably the first feature film shot entirely with IMAX cameras, promising a visual spectacle that transcends the current online debate.

Do you think mythological characters should be cast based on ancient descriptions, or do you believe Christopher Nolan’s creative vision should take priority in the comments?