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Whoopi Goldberg Explains Why Her Name Is In The Epstein Files, But Many Don’t Believe Her
Whoopi Goldberg speaking on a show, explaining her name in the Epstein files while denying close connection to him.

Whoopi Goldberg Explains Why Her Name Is In The Epstein Files, But Many Don’t Believe Her

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As the final batch of the controversial Epstein files, consisting of over three million pages, was released last month, several celebrity names surfaced, including an unexpected mention of Whoopi Goldberg.

On Tuesday, February 17, the 70-year-old actress and comedian broke her silence while hosting an episode of The View, addressing the backlash she’s faced online.

Highlights
  • Whoopi Goldberg’s name appeared multiple times in the infamous Epstein files, sparking instant backlash and wild speculation online.
  • The actress broke her silence on-air, explaining why her name was included, but her response only fueled more controversy, with many labeling her a “hypocrite.”
  • A resurfaced 2013 charity email reignited scrutiny, with netizens split over whether Goldberg was personally acquainted with Jeffrey Epstein.

While Goldberg attempted to provide an explanation for why her name appeared in the infamous files, many netizens remained skeptical and continued to cast suspicion over her alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

“If Whoopi was really being transparent, she would’ve come clean BEFORE Trump released the Epstein files,” one critic wrote.

RELATED:

    The final batch of the infamous Epstein files sparked wild speculation and intense backlash after Whoopi Goldberg’s name surfaced in the documents

    Whoopi Goldberg wearing round glasses and a black coat, discussing her name in Epstein files controversy.

    Image credits: Getty/Francois Durand

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    The final batch of the controversial Epstein files was released on January 30 by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

    The release of these documents was driven by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandated a large-scale public disclosure of federal records related to convicted offender and predator Jeffrey Epstein.

    In the newly released files, internet sleuths noticed Whoopi Goldberg’s name appeared multiple times alongside other The View co-hosts, including Joy Behar, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Ana Navarro.

    The discovery sparked a wave of negative reactions online, with many attacking Whoopi over what they perceived as her association with Epstein.

    Mugshot of Jeffrey Epstein, related to files that mention Whoopi Goldberg amid controversy and disbelief.

    Image credits: Getty/Kypros

    One user fumed, “Oh NO NO NO…….she is named, SO, she is guilty… just like all the others!”

    A second netizen speculated, “Whoopi Goldberg and Jeffrey Epstein had ties.”

    A third added, “This is bigger than Whoopi just being in the files. She had relations with Epstein… Not normal relations.”

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    “@TheView When is Whoopi going to be fired?” demanded another angry critic.

    Whoopi Goldberg and co-hosts discussing Epstein files on The View set with large document display in background.

    Image credits: The View

    After weeks of silence, and as the controversy blew up online, the Sister Act star clarified on air why her name appeared in the documents.

    She discussed the matter with her co-hosts Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, and Sara Haines, saying, “In the name of transparency, my name is in the files. Yes!”

    Whoopi then read a May 2013 email displayed on a large screen behind her, in which her name was mentioned.

    The 70-year-old revealed on yesterday’s episode of The View that she was being brutally “dragged” online by netizens

    Tweet by Garrett Rungo discussing public silence and suspicion related to Epstein files mentioning Whoopi Goldberg.

    Image credits: GarrettRungo

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    Email excerpt showing Whoopi Goldberg’s name linked to Jeffrey Epstein files discussing a charity event flight arrangement.

    Image credits: DOJ

    She told the audience, “And what does it say? It says, ‘Whoopi needs a plane to get to Monaco. John Lennon’s charity,’ it should say Julian Lennon’s charity, ‘is paying for it.’”

    She explained that Julian Lennon’s White Feather Foundation had reached out to private plane owners to arrange transportation for her to a charity event.

    When Epstein was asked if he would “offer” his private jet, a G2, for her travel, he responded in the email, “No thanks.”

    Co-host Joy then added, “So, in other words, anybody could be on this list.”

    Whoopi Goldberg speaking about Epstein files, wearing glasses and a black jacket in an indoor interview setting.

    Image credits: The View

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    Goldberg emphasized that she never rode on his plane, never went to his island, and was never his “friend” or “girlfriend.”

    She continued, agreeing with Joy’s comment, “This is my point, because I’m telling you, when people are trying to turn me into… I wasn’t his girlfriend, I wasn’t his friend.”

    “I was not only too old, but it was at a time where this is just not…. You used to have to have facts before you said stuff.”

    As Goldberg explained her inclusion in the infamous documents, the internet remained suspicious, with many labeling her a “hypocrite”

    Whoopi Goldberg standing with three others at a White Feather Foundation event wearing a white dress and casual outfit.

    Image credits: Getty/Pascal Le Segretain

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    Behar interjected, diverting attention to President Donald Trump allegedly being mentioned “on the list 38,000 times.”

    Whoopi denied commenting on Trump, but clarified that she was “speaking about me because I’m getting dragged.”

    “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.”

    “And no, I didn’t get on the plane,” she continued. “Because you know what I would have to do to get on the plane?”

    Whoopi Goldberg speaking on a TV show, wearing glasses and a black hoodie, addressing Epstein files controversy.

    Image credits: www.youtube.com

    Tweet discussing skepticism about Whoopi Goldberg's mention in the Epstein files and her personal branding.

    Image credits: UsaThing16172

    Joy answered, “Fly,” likely referencing Goldberg’s fear of flying.

    However, the explanation still didn’t go over well with many viewers. One person commented, “Is she explaining why she doesn’t deserve to be scrutinized? Hypocrite!”

    Another wrote, “You have to know someone pretty well to ask to borrow their plane.”

    “Others whose names were mentioned in the files say the same thing about themselves. Interesting,” wrote one skeptical netizen, while another added, “Wasn’t there a movie that said deny deny deny. Whoopie is like I’m gonna deny.”

    Whoopi Goldberg wearing glasses and black lipstick at an event, related to Epstein files discussions and public disbelief.

    Image credits: Getty/Monica Schipper

    “It’s funny how quick they change to ‘just bc named doesn’t mean guilty.’”

    Meanwhile, some supporters argued that just being mentioned in the files doesn’t mean Whoopi had personal ties to Epstein.

    One supporter argued, “Imagine being mentioned in the list out of incriminating context and being dragged through the mud for it.”

    However, defenders argued that being mentioned in the Epstein files does not implicate any wrongdoing on Whoopi’s part

    “Not everyone mentioned in the files had anything to do with him,” commented a second.

    “There are many names in the file that had nothing to do with Epstein. Including Elvis.”

    Prior to this latest controversy, in January 2024, rumors were rife that the Ghost star was a frequent visitor to Epstein’s infamous island.

    She addressed the speculation during an episode of The View, saying at the time, “Apparently, they said I was on the island. And I don’t go anywhere!”

    Whoopi Goldberg speaking during a broadcast, addressing her name in the Epstein files with a skeptical audience.

    Image credits: The View

    “There’s just been a lot of stuff recently, I don’t know what I’ve done to anybody, but apparently there are a lot of the [tabloid] sites [and] people don’t realize they can be harmful.”

    Apart from Goldberg, hundreds of high-profile names from across the globe have appeared in the files, including Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama, music icons Beyoncé and her husband Jay-Z, and others.

    Investigators have stated that many names appear in Epstein’s logs and emails as part of his extensive professional and social networking, and that being mentioned in the files does not constitute evidence of a crime.

    “Yeah…I always ask people I’m not close to if I can use their private jet…doesn’t everyone,” one skeptic wrote sarcastically

    Screenshot of a tweet discussing controversy around Whoopi Goldberg's name in the Epstein files and public disbelief.

    Image credits: DoingWorkAC

    Tweet text by Kimberly Gillilan discussing wealth, social circles, and skepticism about Trump's inclusion, related to Epstein files.

    Image credits: KimGillilan

    Tweet from user Kendal K replying about Whoopi Goldberg’s name in Epstein files expressing doubt about release timing.

    Image credits: kclink831

    Tweet discussing Whoopi Goldberg and Jeffrey Epstein, mentioning Epstein files and controversy surrounding her name.

    Image credits: 1RoboBen

    Tweet by user Dr Dr Judith Butler discussing emotional blackmail and charity, related to Whoopi Goldberg Epstein files controversy.

    Image credits: HellNoItsJudith

    Tweet discussing Whoopi Goldberg’s name in Epstein files and doubts about the connection to Epstein.

    Image credits: ImperialBotFarm

    Screenshot of a social media post discussing charity spending and celebrity travel, related to Whoopi Goldberg Epstein files claims.

    Image credits: LVPBG

    Tweet discussing Whoopi Goldberg and the Epstein files, mentioning doubt about her awareness of the situation.

    Image credits: dpmom3

    Tweet discussing Epstein's exclusion of Black people from his island, related to Whoopi Goldberg and Epstein files controversies.

    Image credits: UltPatriot

    Screenshot of a tweet discussing Whoopi Goldberg and Epstein, highlighting skepticism about the Epstein files mentioning her.

    Image credits: EaslerNanc13538

    Screenshot of a tweet expressing shock about people wanting to contact a man linked to a 14-year-old, related to Epstein files.

    Image credits: Na0ch

    Whoopi Goldberg speaking in an interview, addressing claims related to her name in Epstein files and public doubt.

    Image credits: FlyGirl_Rox

    Screenshot of a tweet discussing Whoopi Goldberg’s fear of flying amid Epstein files controversy.

    Image credits: honeycroppers

    Screenshot of a social media post discussing Whoopi Goldberg and mentions of her name in Epstein files controversy.

    Image credits: AllenChilaxin

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    Amita Kumari

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    UKGrandad
    Community Member
    3 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "One user fumed, “Oh NO NO NO…….she is named, SO, she is guilty… just like all the others!” A second netizen speculated, “Whoopi Goldberg and Jeffrey Epstein had ties.” A third added, “This is bigger than Whoopi just being in the files. She had relations with Epstein… Not normal relations.” And this is why I would not want to be tried by a jury. Too many people nowadays automatically equate an accusation with guilt even when the evidence to the contrary is right in front of them. So what happened here? Somebody from a charity asked Epstein if he'd loan his jet to fly Goldberg to a fundraiser. Epstein said no. Goldberg had no part in the communication, didn't use his jet, and yet not only are they shouting "sHE's GuILtY!!!", they're even inventing details and claiming their own assumptions as fact.

    nicholas nolan
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The one in the middle of the pack equating Whoopi and trump is sort of hilarious. She was mentioned once, and trump is in there thousands of times and that clears trump somehow?

    Load More Replies...
    Doodles1983
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Every name linked did not necessarily know what he was up to. Also, it isn't a direct thread from Whoopi to JE. It's someone trying to source a flight for her (thus indirect) and furthermore his "no thanks" implies she isn't someone he would do a favour for. We can't tarnish everyone with the brush without something more than circumstantial. As far as DT, different story. He is a dodgy character, felony, rapist, married younger Etcetc etc. Highly likely he was aware of JE. Pic of Melania with JE. Etc.

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    Greg Frank
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is not the final batch, not even close. So many files still need releasing. Because someone is mentioned doesn't mean they are guilty. Everything in Epstein's emails got listed, so if he got an ad or an article, it had the name. If she is guilty of a crime, then arrest her, but Trump is mentioned mroe than God is mentioned in the Bible. And his emails are clear indication of a crime.

    UKGrandad
    Community Member
    3 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "One user fumed, “Oh NO NO NO…….she is named, SO, she is guilty… just like all the others!” A second netizen speculated, “Whoopi Goldberg and Jeffrey Epstein had ties.” A third added, “This is bigger than Whoopi just being in the files. She had relations with Epstein… Not normal relations.” And this is why I would not want to be tried by a jury. Too many people nowadays automatically equate an accusation with guilt even when the evidence to the contrary is right in front of them. So what happened here? Somebody from a charity asked Epstein if he'd loan his jet to fly Goldberg to a fundraiser. Epstein said no. Goldberg had no part in the communication, didn't use his jet, and yet not only are they shouting "sHE's GuILtY!!!", they're even inventing details and claiming their own assumptions as fact.

    nicholas nolan
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The one in the middle of the pack equating Whoopi and trump is sort of hilarious. She was mentioned once, and trump is in there thousands of times and that clears trump somehow?

    Load More Replies...
    Doodles1983
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Every name linked did not necessarily know what he was up to. Also, it isn't a direct thread from Whoopi to JE. It's someone trying to source a flight for her (thus indirect) and furthermore his "no thanks" implies she isn't someone he would do a favour for. We can't tarnish everyone with the brush without something more than circumstantial. As far as DT, different story. He is a dodgy character, felony, rapist, married younger Etcetc etc. Highly likely he was aware of JE. Pic of Melania with JE. Etc.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    Greg Frank
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is not the final batch, not even close. So many files still need releasing. Because someone is mentioned doesn't mean they are guilty. Everything in Epstein's emails got listed, so if he got an ad or an article, it had the name. If she is guilty of a crime, then arrest her, but Trump is mentioned mroe than God is mentioned in the Bible. And his emails are clear indication of a crime.

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