Whoopi and Joy stirred up fierce outrage after targeting Elon Musk’s young son, X Æ A-Xii, during a segment on The View. Their sarcastic remarks about his name during a White House event with Trump triggered an online firestorm, with critics accusing the hosts of bullying a child on live TV.


Whoopi Goldberg Faces Public Scrutiny After Quip About Elon Musk’s Son Sparks Conversation on Parenting and Hypocrisy

In what began as a humorous exchange on ABC’s The View, longtime co-host Whoopi Goldberg has unexpectedly found herself at the center of a brewing controversy. During a segment poking fun at Elon Musk’s son X Æ A-Xii’s unconventional name, Goldberg’s lighthearted jab quickly went viral. But what was meant to be a moment of comedy has sparked a wave of backlash, with many turning the spotlight onto Goldberg herself and questioning her own history as a parent.

A Joke That Landed Harder Than Expected

The segment aired following Musk’s recent White House appearance, where discussions of innovation and technology gave way to renewed interest in his personal life—particularly the futuristic names of his children. Goldberg quipped, “I didn’t name the child,” referencing Musk’s famously cryptic baby name. Joy Behar added fuel to the moment by questioning if children saddled with such names might face identity issues growing up.

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The exchange drew laughs in the studio, but online reactions told a different story. Critics were quick to point out what they saw as an unnecessary attack on a child and a reflection of Hollywood’s double standards. Soon after, old interviews and commentary began to resurface about Goldberg’s own parenting journey, specifically her relationship with her daughter, Alexandra Martin.

Social Media Reacts: The Critic Becomes the Criticized

Many fans and critics took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their frustration with Goldberg’s comments. Some argued that mocking another public figure’s parenting choices—especially something as personal as a child’s name—crossed a line.

“It’s rich hearing Whoopi Goldberg ridicule someone else’s parenting,” one tweet read. “Didn’t her own daughter admit how tough it was growing up with a famous mom who was always working?”

This wasn’t an isolated sentiment. As the backlash grew, hashtags like #WhoopiHypocrisy and #ParentingInTheSpotlight trended briefly, signaling that the public viewed Goldberg’s quip as more than just a late-morning punchline.

Revisiting Goldberg’s Own Parenting Journey

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Goldberg, who became a mother at age 18, has been candid in past interviews about the challenges she faced balancing early fame and family life. Her daughter, Alexandra, has occasionally opened up about what it was like to grow up in Goldberg’s shadow, highlighting both the privileges and struggles of having a world-famous mother.

While there has never been public estrangement between the two, it’s clear that their relationship has gone through ups and downs. That history has now been weaponized by online critics who believe Goldberg should have shown more empathy before mocking someone else’s parenting choices.

The View Stands by Its Host—For Now

Neither Goldberg nor ABC has issued an official statement in response to the controversy. However, insiders say producers are aware of the growing criticism. While The View is no stranger to controversy—its appeal partly stems from unfiltered, spontaneous moments—sources suggest that discussions are underway behind the scenes about how to handle future conversations that touch on celebrity families.

“There’s a difference between tough questions and personal digs,” one unnamed producer told Variety. “It’s a balance we’re constantly managing.”

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The Bigger Picture: Celebrity Culture and Parenting Shaming

This episode taps into a deeper cultural discussion: how much scrutiny should public figures face over their personal choices? And who gets to decide what counts as “normal” in parenting?

For many, Elon Musk’s baby names are bizarre but ultimately harmless. Yet the backlash against Goldberg suggests that when media personalities punch down—especially on topics like parenting—the blowback can be fierce and personal.

Final Thoughts: Will Goldberg Address the Criticism?

As of now, Goldberg has stayed silent. Whether she chooses to address the controversy in a future episode remains to be seen. Historically, she has not shied away from addressing criticism head-on, often turning backlash into teachable moments.

If she does respond, viewers can expect a mix of candor and defiance—the very qualities that have made her a television icon. But for now, the moment stands as a reminder that even seasoned veterans like Goldberg are not immune to the judgment they themselves dish out.

Whether you see the original remark as a harmless joke or a step too far, one thing is clear: in today’s digital age, even offhand comments can spark powerful cultural conversations—and personal reckonings.