Whoopi Goldberg Fires at Elon Musk Over Lupita Nyong’o Casting Drama in ‘The Odyssey’: “I Would Suggest Looking in a Mirror”

Whoopi Goldberg fired back at Elon Musk this week after the billionaire criticized Lupita Nyong’o’s rumored casting in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film, The Odyssey. The EGOT winner addressed the controversy on The View on Tuesday, calling out Musk’s public comments and defending the actress.

Musk sparked debate over the weekend after replying to a social media post suggesting Nyong’o, a Kenyan-Mexican Oscar winner, would play Helen of Troy. The post argued the casting would clash with traditional descriptions of the character as fair-skinned and blonde. Musk added his own comment, saying Nolan had lost his integrity.

Chris Nolan has lost his integrity

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 31, 2026

Goldberg didn’t hold back when responding. 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 said, highlighting the absurdity of judging a modern casting by ancient descriptions.

She also reminded viewers of Nyong’o’s global recognition as a 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, Goldberg added.

Turning her critique directly to Musk, Goldberg suggested he look inward before commenting on 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 said.

She also hinted at more unspoken thoughts but kept them to herself. 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 weighed in, pointing out Musk’s controversial online history. He has trafficked in white supremacy on the internet, she said, while Sara Haines joked that Musk might be surprised to learn that Jesus is Middle Eastern.

The Odyssey remains a highly anticipated release, set to hit theaters on July 17. The star-studded cast includes Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Zendaya as Athena, Charlize Theron as Circe, and Jon Bernthal as Menelaus. The film is also the first feature shot entirely with IMAX cameras.

Do you think casting should stick strictly to historical or mythological descriptions, or should directors have creative freedom? Share your thoughts in the comments.