A recent claim that The View co-host Sunny Hostin called Elon Musk a “b*****d” live on air has gone viral, sparking outrage online. However, after thorough fact-checking, the story has been debunked as false. The fabricated rumor, which surfaced after Musk’s involvement with Trump’s administration, was based on unreliable sources and riddled with errors. So, why did this misleading story gain so much traction, and what’s the real story behind Hostin’s alleged comment? Find out the truth about this viral hoax!

Fact Check: No, Sunny Hostin Didn’t Call Elon Musk a ‘B*d’ on ‘The View’

In February 2025, a rumor surfaced on Facebook claiming that The View co-host Sunny Hostin had called Elon Musk a “b*****d” during a live broadcast. The claim spread quickly, sparking reactions from viewers and prompting several inquiries to fact-checking organizations, including Snopes. However, after thorough investigation, the claim has been debunked as false.

The False Claim and Its Spread

The false claim started circulating after U.S. President Donald Trump resumed office in early 2025, and amidst growing media attention on Elon Musk’s role in Trump’s administration. Musk, who is often a polarizing figure due to his outspoken views and involvement in the controversial administration, had recently been involved in the “Department of Government Efficiency” initiative. This, combined with Hostin’s known criticisms of Trump’s administration, likely fueled the virality of the rumor.

The posts that spread this claim failed to provide any credible evidence, such as a video or direct transcript, to back up the allegation. A search of the claim revealed no reputable news sources reporting Hostin’s supposed remarks. Further scrutiny revealed that the rumor appeared on unreliable, poorly written “news” sites with glaring grammatical mistakes and errors. One particularly odd version even mistakenly swapped the genders of Hostin and Musk, calling Hostin “Suply Hostin” and Musk “Eloisa Musk,” a mistake that would be highly unusual, even for generative AI programs like ChatGPT.

Why the Rumor Was Believed

Given Hostin’s outspoken political opinions, especially her vocal criticisms of the Trump administration and Musk’s involvement with it, the rumor gained traction on social media. Many people, familiar with Hostin’s public persona and the controversial nature of Musk, found the claim plausible. However, the lack of supporting evidence, combined with the inconsistencies in the article, clearly pointed to the rumor being fabricated.

The emotional nature of the language used in the claim, such as the alleged insults against Musk, further fueled the spread of the rumor. Hostin’s sharp commentary on political issues often sparks strong reactions, and this narrative fit perfectly into the larger political discourse. Some users mistakenly interpreted the posts as legitimate news, making the rumor appear even more credible to those unfamiliar with fact-checking practices.

No Evidence to Support the Claim

A key part of debunking this rumor is the fact that no credible media outlets have reported such an incident. Had Hostin used such inflammatory language against Musk on-air, it would almost certainly have been covered by reputable news sources, and there would have been public statements from both Hostin and The View. Additionally, a Google search of the claim returned no credible results, with nothing backing up the allegation.

Furthermore, if such a significant moment had occurred on The View, it would have likely been discussed widely on social media, covered by entertainment outlets, or referenced during the next episode. The absence of any mention of Hostin making such a comment is a strong indicator that the claim was fabricated.

The Role of Social Media in Spreading Misinformation

The rapid spread of misinformation, particularly in the world of politics and media, is a growing concern. Social media platforms, where misinformation can spread faster than it can be corrected, have made it easier for false claims like this to gain traction. The fact that this rumor was so widely shared, even by seemingly credible users, is indicative of the current state of information dissemination in today’s digital age.

In addition to this, there is the matter of confirmation bias—where people believe false information that aligns with their existing views. The allegation that Hostin made an inflammatory comment about Musk fit neatly into the political climate of the time, where tensions between liberal and conservative media personalities were at a peak. This often leads to viewers gravitating toward sensational claims without critically evaluating their truthfulness.

Hostin’s History of Political Commentary

Sunny Hostin is no stranger to controversy, particularly when it comes to her outspoken political views. As a regular co-host on The View, Hostin is known for her candid commentary on political and social issues, often challenging conservative viewpoints. Her vocal criticisms of Trump’s administration, including her opposition to Musk’s involvement with the former president, have made her a lightning rod for controversy. However, this particular rumor about calling Musk a “b*****d” was unfounded and doesn’t align with her typical approach to political discourse.

Despite her firm stances on various issues, Hostin has remained professional in her role, and there is no history of her using such explicit language during her tenure on The View. This makes the rumor even more implausible, as it doesn’t fit with her public persona or the way she usually engages with political figures.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale of Misinformation

This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the speed and ease with which misinformation can spread. With the proliferation of social media and the growing influence of online platforms, it has become more important than ever to critically evaluate the information we encounter. The false claim that Sunny Hostin called Elon Musk a “b*****d” on The View is a clear example of how unverified stories can quickly gain traction, especially when they align with pre-existing political narratives.

For those who were misled by the rumor, it’s a reminder to always seek out reliable sources and fact-check before accepting sensational stories as truth. As for Hostin, her reputation remains intact, and this baseless rumor will likely fade into obscurity, but it serves as a valuable reminder of the need for accuracy in the age of digital news.