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Whoopi Goldberg addressed her inclusion in the Jeffrey Epstein files on Tuesday’s episode of “The View,” pushing back against online speculation and emphasizing she had no personal connection to the convicted sex offender. The comedian and talk show host explained her name appeared in connection with a request for a private plane to attend a charity event, but clarified she never utilized the service and found the resulting online discourse frustrating.
The controversy stems from documents released as part of a court case related to Epstein, which have sparked renewed scrutiny of individuals mentioned within them. Goldberg’s name surfaced in an email discussing a potential private jet arrangement for travel to Monaco to support Julian Lennon’s White Feather Foundation. The situation highlights how even tangential connections can fuel misinformation and public judgment in the wake of high-profile investigations like the Epstein case.
During the broadcast, Goldberg displayed the email on screen, reading aloud, “It says, ‘Whoopi needs a plane to get to Monaco… Julian Lennon’s charity is paying for it. They don’t want to charter so they’re looking for private owners. Here’s the info,’” before adding, “And they give all the information, and they’re saying, ‘Do you want to offer your G2?’” People.com reported on the exchange.
Co-host Sunny Hostin pointed out that Epstein’s response to the request was negative, stating, “And it looks like they said, ‘No thanks.’” Goldberg responded to the situation with visible irritation, stating, “So, in other words, anyone can be on this list?” She continued, “This is my point because, when I tell you people are trying to turn me into… I wasn’t his girlfriend. I wasn’t his friend. I was not only too classic, but it was at a time where this is just not…. You used to have to have facts before you said stuff.”
The “Ghost” actress’s frustration is rooted in the rapid spread of unsubstantiated claims online. Following the surfacing of her name in the files, some users on X (formerly Twitter) have falsely suggested she was involved with Epstein, with some even claiming she was the redacted individual requesting the plane. Fox News detailed the online reactions.
Goldberg further emphasized that her name appears 19 times in the Justice Department’s database related to the Epstein files, but the majority of those instances are press releases, resumes, or marketing materials. She also referenced a claim made by a right-wing columnist alleging a backstage altercation with Jeanine Pirro, stating, “The most interesting document featuring Goldberg’s name is one written by a right-wing columnist that claims that Goldberg chewed out Jeanine Pirro backstage at ‘The View’ by telling her: ‘F_ k you, get the f_k out of this building.’”
Drawing a comparison to the 38,000 mentions of former President Donald Trump in the same files, Goldberg stated, “I can’t speak to him, but I’m speaking about me because I’m getting dragged.” She reiterated that she has always been open about her personal life, noting, “People actually believe that I was with him. It’s like, honey, come on. Every man I’ve ever been with you’ve known about ’em because either the Enquirer wrote about it, people wrote about this stuff.”
Goldberg also revealed she did not take the offered flight, citing her well-known fear of flying. Co-host Sara Haines chimed in, playfully referring to Goldberg as a “bus babe.” Haines also contextualized the situation, explaining that many prominent figures, including Marilyn Monroe, appear in the Epstein files for various reasons, often simply due to professional or social connections. Decider covered Goldberg’s explanation on “The View.”
Haines further elaborated, stating that the key focus should be on identifying individuals with a “depth of relationship” with Epstein, rather than simply those whose names appear in the documents. She emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “Was this covered up? No one should be above scrutiny. No amount of status should soften abuse. And no system should protect the powerful over victims. That’s the problem.”
As more of the Epstein files are released and analyzed, the public will likely see further scrutiny of individuals connected to the case. The ongoing examination serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information and avoiding the spread of unsubstantiated claims, particularly in the digital age. The focus will remain on uncovering the full extent of Epstein’s network and ensuring accountability for all involved.
What are your thoughts on the release of the Epstein files and the impact on public figures? Share your comments below.
