Whoopi Goldberg is clearing up confusion after her name appeared in documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein.
On the February 17 episode of The View, the veteran host tackled the issue directly, confirming that her name is included in materials released by the Department of Justice as part of its wider investigation into Epstein’s associates. Instead of allowing rumors to take over, Goldberg broke down exactly why her name showed up in the first place.
“In the name of transparency, my name is in the files,” she said, pointing to a 2013 email that mentioned her.
The email, dated May 8, 2013, showed a third party contacting Jeffrey Epstein about arranging a private jet for Goldberg to attend an event in Monaco tied to Julian Lennon’s White Feather Foundation. The message explained that the charity would pay for the flight and preferred a private aircraft instead of a charter. Epstein declined the request, replying with a short “no thanks.”
Goldberg made it clear that the email is the full extent of any link.
“I wasn’t his girlfriend. I wasn’t his friend,” she said, shutting down online claims suggesting otherwise. “People are trying to turn me into something I’m not.”
She also stressed that the trip never took place. “No, I didn’t get on the plane,” Goldberg added, directly addressing rumors that surfaced after the documents were released.
The Oscar winner admitted she’s been “getting dragged” online by people who assume that being named in the files automatically signals wrongdoing.
Her co-host Joy Behar chimed in, pointing out how easily names can appear in documents without deeper ties. “Anybody can be on this list,” Behar said.
Goldberg also spoke about how quickly false narratives spread today. “There was a time when you needed facts before you said stuff,” she noted, highlighting how speculation has often overshadowed context in discussions about the Epstein case.
A closer look at the released materials shows numerous names appearing across emails, media reports, and secondhand mentions.
In Goldberg’s situation, the Monaco email appears to be the only direct communication connected to Epstein. She has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
The wider release of Epstein-related files has once again put public figures under the microscope, with some names drawing heavier scrutiny than others.
As conversations continue, advocates are urging the public to keep the focus on survivors of sex trafficking and abuse. Anyone seeking help or with information can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or visit humantraffickinghotline.org.
