Whoopi Goldberg Sets Record Straight on Epstein Files Mention
In a candid segment on Tuesday's episode of The View, Whoopi Goldberg directly addressed the recent appearance of her name in the released files of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Oscar-winning actress and longtime television host sought to clarify the context behind her inclusion, which has sparked speculation and online chatter.
Goldberg Reads 2013 Email Seeking Transportation
Goldberg explained to her co-hosts and viewers that her name surfaced in a May 2013 email exchange. The screen behind the panel displayed the email, which Goldberg read aloud. The message detailed her search for someone to lend a private plane to travel to a charity event in Monaco, organized by Julian Lennon. The email, addressed to Epstein and another individual whose name was redacted, outlined the logistical needs for the trip.
"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,'" Goldberg recited from the document. She emphasized that the email simply inquired whether Epstein would offer his Gulfstream G2 aircraft for the journey.
Co-hosts Highlight Context of Famous Names in Files
Co-host Sunny Hostin pointed out that Epstein declined the request in a subsequent email, noting "it looks like they said no thanks." This led to a broader discussion about the nature of the Epstein files, which contain numerous references to celebrities and public figures. Longtime host Joy Behar questioned whether anyone could appear on such lists, to which Goldberg firmly responded.
"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," Goldberg stated. She stressed that she was "not only too old" but that the era required factual basis before making accusations. Goldberg expressed frustration over being "dragged" into the narrative, noting that some people genuinely believed she had a connection with Epstein.
Goldberg Contrasts Her Situation with Other Mentions
Behar mentioned that former U.S. President Donald Trump appears frequently in the files, but Goldberg focused on her own circumstances. "I can’t speak to him, but I’m speaking about me because I’m getting dragged," she said. Goldberg added that every romantic relationship she has had has been publicly documented, implying no secret ties to Epstein existed.
She confirmed she never boarded the plane, humorously questioning what she might have had to do to secure the flight. Co-host Sara Haines contributed that other historical figures like Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe are also named in the files, often due to news articles or third-party emails.
Haines Emphasizes Need for Accountability in Epstein Case
Haines noted that wealthy and famous individuals often intersect in professional and social circles, making such mentions unsurprising. However, she underscored the importance of scrutinizing those with deeper, more substantive relationships with Epstein, particularly regarding timing and nature of connections.
"Nobody wants to know that young girls were victimized and because of power and money, people turned their cheek," Haines asserted. She called for accountability, stating that no status should excuse abuse or protect the powerful over victims. The discussion highlighted the ongoing public interest in the Epstein files and the need for careful interpretation of the documents.
Goldberg's clarification serves as a reminder of the complex web of associations documented in the Epstein files, where incidental contacts can be misinterpreted without proper context. The segment on The View provided a platform for Goldberg to address the speculation directly, aiming to set the record straight amid widespread media attention.
