Whoopi Goldberg has used her platform on The View to clarify why her name appears in recently released documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, shutting down social media speculation, per ew.com.
During Tuesday’s broadcast, the EGOT winner requested “transparency” as an email featuring her name was displayed on screen. The correspondence, sent between Epstein and an unidentified party, discussed sourcing a private plane for Goldberg to attend a charity event in Monaco for Julian Lennon’s White Feather Foundation.
“It says, ‘Whoopi needs a plane… Julian Lennon’s charity is paying for it,’” Goldberg noted, reading the text aloud. The email showed a third party asking Epstein if he would offer his private jet for the trip.
Panellist Sunny Hostin confirmed that Epstein ultimately declined the request. Goldberg used the moment to address the “dragging” she has faced online since the documents were released by the Department of Justice in January.
“I wasn’t his girlfriend. I wasn’t his friend,” Goldberg stated firmly. “You used to have to have facts before you said stuff. People actually believe I was with him. Honey, come on.”
Goldberg also pointed out a logistical flaw in the rumours: her well-documented fear of flying. Co-host Sara Haines reminded viewers that Goldberg famously prefers ground travel, dubbing her a “bus babe.”
“I didn’t get on the plane,” Goldberg added. “Because you know what I would have to do to get on the plane? [Fly].”
The panel noted that the appearance of a name in the files does not necessarily equate to wrongdoing or a personal relationship with Epstein. Many high-profile figures, including Jon Stewart and even Marilyn Monroe, are mentioned due to third-party emails, news articles, or professional intersections.
Haines emphasised that public scrutiny should remain focused on those who had “a depth of relationship” with the financier. “No amount of status should soften abuse,” she said. “And no system should protect the powerful over victims.”
Goldberg follows fellow comedian Jon Stewart in addressing the files; Stewart’s name appeared in a similar context where producers suggested him as a potential narrator for a project.
