Sunny Hostin Sparks Massive Backlash After Claiming Helen of Troy ‘Can Be Black’ in Reference to Lupita Nyong’o Casting in Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’
The discussion on The View recently sparked a wave of debate online after co-host Sunny Hostin made comments about how historical and mythological figures are interpreted today, especially in relation to race and cultural identity.
The conversation took place in New York City, New York, during a segment focused on ancient history and modern representation. Hostin referenced the book Black Athena, which argues that ancient Greek civilization was influenced by African and Near Eastern cultures. Her remarks centered on how figures from mythology, like Helen of Troy, are often viewed through a modern lens.
“If you think Helen of Troy cannot be Black, you don’t know history,” Hostin said during the discussion.
She added that debates around the cultural roots of ancient civilizations have been ongoing in academic spaces for years, and she suggested that reimagining historical or mythological characters in different ways should not automatically be dismissed. The segment was part of a broader talk about how stories from antiquity are retold and reinterpreted in today’s media.
The reaction online was immediate and intense. Clips from the show spread quickly across social media platforms, where viewers shared sharply divided opinions. Some users supported Hostin’s point of view, saying that ancient history involved a wide range of cultural exchanges and influences across regions.
Others strongly disagreed and pushed back against her interpretation of Greek mythology. Many argued that figures like Helen of Troy are rooted in Greek tradition and should not be redefined using modern racial categories.
One user wrote, “Why is she so pro black and anti everything else she’s isn’t black her self”
Another commented, “Why do we let idiots like this have a platform like The View? She is literally making her audience dumber… Cleopatra was not black and neither was Helen of Troy to argue otherwise just means you’re delusional.”
A third user said, “She blends Greek myth, African influence, and modern American race politics into one reheated bowl of television-grade BS. The real scandal is that this ignorance comes with a salary.”
Another added, “Helen of Troy was Greek. Cleopatra was Greek. Homer was Greek. Plato, Socrates and Aristotle, all Greek.”
The debate highlights how modern discussions about history and representation often extend beyond academia into mainstream television and social media. While some viewers see value in reexamining historical narratives, others feel strongly that mythological figures should remain tied to their traditional cultural origins.
The original discussion continues to circulate online, with viewers still weighing in on both sides of the argument.
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