In a tense and unexpected moment during Thursday’s taping of The View, co-host Sunny Hostin dropped a bombshell when she referred to tech billionaire Elon Musk as a “bastard.” The controversial comment left both the live audience and her fellow panelists visibly stunned, triggering a series of reactions that unfolded over the course of the segment.
The incident occurred while the panelists were discussing Musk’s recent actions and his influence on social media, particularly his controversial decisions regarding Twitter (now X) since acquiring the platform. Hostin, known for her candid opinions, was expressing her frustration with Musk’s handling of various political and societal matters, especially his outspoken nature and disruptive role in shaping online discourse.
While discussing Musk’s impact on free speech and the moderation of content on Twitter, Hostin made the sharp remark: “He’s a bastard, plain and simple.” The expletive left the audience in disbelief, as the show is known for its often spirited but generally respectful discussions. Fellow co-hosts, including Whoopi Goldberg and Sara Haines, visibly reacted with surprise, while Joy Behar attempted to regain control of the conversation.
Musk, who has been in the public eye for his role in the electric car industry, space exploration, and social media, has been no stranger to controversy. His tweets and decisions often make headlines, with some praising his innovations and others criticizing his management style and comments. However, Hostin’s strong words were a clear departure from the usual tone of The View, which typically fosters a debate-style atmosphere rather than personal attacks.
The tension in the studio mounted as the camera shifted to a wide shot showing the other co-hosts processing Hostin’s words. The awkward silence that followed the remark was palpable. Joy Behar, who often serves as the mediator during heated exchanges on the show, quickly intervened to defuse the situation. “I want to apologize to our viewers,” Behar said. “That was a bit much, and we do not condone using such language on this platform.”
Meanwhile, Musk’s reaction, which was quickly picked up by social media, added another layer of drama to the unfolding situation. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the incident. “I’m just trying to make the world a better place, but apparently I’m a ‘bastard,’” Musk tweeted, followed by a string of emojis and sarcastic commentary. His tweet went viral almost instantly, garnering thousands of retweets and comments from his supporters and critics alike.
Musk’s response, though humorous in tone, sparked a wider conversation about the increasing polarization between public figures and the media. His detractors hailed Hostin’s comment as a reflection of growing frustrations with Musk’s antics, while his fans defended him, arguing that the comment was uncalled for and unprofessional.
The episode also sparked a broader discussion about the ethics of calling out public figures in such a direct manner, particularly on a platform like The View, which attracts a diverse audience. Many viewers on social media expressed mixed feelings, with some applauding Hostin for speaking her mind, while others criticized her for crossing a line.
As the dust settled, it was clear that the incident had generated far more than just a momentary shock. The conversation on the show resumed, but the tension lingered. Later in the episode, the co-hosts tried to pivot back to the original topic, but the awkwardness of the exchange was difficult to shake off.
For now, it seems that the fallout from Hostin’s unexpected comment will linger both in the media and in the minds of viewers. Whether this moment will affect the public perception of The View or the ongoing debate about Elon Musk’s influence remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: Sunny Hostin’s off-the-cuff remark about Musk has given audiences something to talk about for days to come.
