Alex Bruno
In an alternate reality that could easily be the plotline for a dystopian sitcom, Whoopi Goldberg, famed actress and co-host of ‘The View’, ended up fleeing the set in tears following a confrontation with none other than Tesla’s CEO and professional Twitter ruffler, Elon Musk.
Picture this scene: On an ordinary Thursday morning, the studio was abuzz with anticipation. The notoriously outspoken Musk was set to make an appearance on the popular talk show. Known for his antics on Twitter as much as for his trailblazing ventures in space and electric vehicles, Musk’s appearance promised high ratings and even higher drama.
What no one expected, however, was the emotional showdown that would unfold between Goldberg and Musk. Goldberg, recently announced as the brand ambassador for the beleaguered beer brand Bud Light, found herself at the receiving end of Musk’s sharp wit and candid commentary.
As the cameras rolled, Musk, ever the provocateur, quipped about Goldberg’s recent endorsement deal, asking if she had tried the beer herself. Goldberg, taken aback by the blunt question, hesitated before responding. Musk didn’t wait for her answer. Instead, he quipped, “Bud Light’s sales tanked worse than one of my SpaceX rockets!” The studio erupted in laughter, leaving Goldberg looking like a deer in the headlights.
Goldberg, usually a deft handler of tense situations, found herself struggling to respond to Musk’s relentless ribbing. Attempting to regain her footing, she stammered a response about how she believed in the brand’s potential for a comeback. To which Musk retorted, “Potential? Bud Light’s got as much potential as a diesel car in a Tesla showroom.” The studio audience roared in laughter, leaving Goldberg with a burning face and shattered composure.
As the segment went on, Musk’s jabs continued unabated. He compared Bud Light’s flavor to ‘battery acid’ and suggested that Goldberg might be better off endorsing ‘something a bit more palatable, like Brussels sprouts’.
Eventually, the tension reached a boiling point when Musk concluded his tirade with a seemingly innocent question. “Whoopi, you do realize that Tesla’s market cap is now greater than the entire Anheuser-Busch InBev’s, right?” As laughter echoed around the studio, the camera panned to Goldberg. The hurt was apparent in her eyes, and she stood up abruptly, her chair clattering backwards.
Amid stunned silence, Goldberg, voice shaking, addressed Musk, “Elon, you might be the richest man in the world and a genius, but that doesn’t give you the right to be rude.” Without waiting for a response, she turned and left the stage, tears glistening in her eyes.
As Goldberg’s figure disappeared off-stage, Musk was left awkwardly sitting, a half-smile on his face. The show cut to a commercial, leaving viewers in shock. What was supposed to be a lighthearted chat had turned into a spectacle of epic proportions, worthy of a Hollywood drama.
The episode would go down as one of the most memorable moments in ‘The View’ history. For Goldberg, it was a challenging confrontation that left her humiliated and upset. For Musk, it was another notch on his controversy belt. And for the viewers, it was a shocking display of raw emotions and unabashed honesty, a reminder of the age-old adage that the truth often hurts.
This tale underscores the clash of personalities and the unpredictable nature of live television. It also highlights the unfiltered reality of Elon Musk, a man known for his genius, but also for his brutal honesty. So, next time you tune into ‘The View’, buckle up – you never know what drama might unfold!
