Whoopi Goldberg Addresses Her Name in Epstein Files

The View co-host clarifies her connection to the convicted sex offender.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 11:23am

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Whoopi Goldberg addressed her name appearing in the newly released Jeffrey Epstein files on a recent episode of The View. Goldberg explained that her name was included because Epstein's team was looking to charter a private plane for her to travel to Monaco, with the costs covered by a charity. She stressed that she was not friends with Epstein and has never been on any of his planes, as she is afraid of flying. Goldberg's co-hosts, including Joy Behar and Sara Haines, also weighed in to provide context around how famous names can end up in such files without necessarily indicating a close relationship.

Why it matters

Goldberg's appearance in the Epstein files has sparked speculation and conspiracy theories about her relationship with the convicted sex offender. By addressing this directly, Goldberg is aiming to set the record straight and distance herself from any implication of improper ties to Epstein.

The details

According to Goldberg, the Epstein files state that 'Whoopi needs a plane to get to Monaco' and that 'John Lennon's charity is paying for it.' Goldberg clarified that the charity was actually Julian's Charity, not John Lennon's. She said Epstein's team was looking for private plane owners who could provide transportation, and her name was included in that context, not because she was friends with Epstein.

  • On February 17, 2026, Whoopi Goldberg addressed her name appearing in the Epstein files on an episode of The View.

The players

Whoopi Goldberg

A co-host on the ABC talk show The View who had her name appear in the newly released Jeffrey Epstein files.

Joy Behar

A co-host on The View who discussed Goldberg's connection to the Epstein files.

Sara Haines

A co-host on The View who provided context around how famous names can end up in the Epstein files.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender whose files were recently released, containing the names of various high-profile individuals.

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What they’re saying

“In the name of transparency, my name is in the files, yes! And what does it say? 'Whoopi needs a plane to get to Monaco. John Lennon's charity is paying for it.' It should say Julian's Charity. 'They don't want to charter, so they are looking for private owners. Here's the info,' and they give all the information and they are saying do you want to offer your G2?'”

— Whoopi Goldberg, Co-host, The View

“So in other words, anybody can be on the list?”

— Joy Behar, Co-host, The View

“I think the part most people — including myself — are looking for is an accountability for the people that had a depth of relationship, the timing of that relationship and the nature of that relationship. Nobody wants to know that young girls were victimized and because of power and money, people turned their cheeks. Nobody should be above scrutiny. No amount of status should soften abuse.”

— Sara Haines, Co-host, The View

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for transparency and accountability when it comes to high-profile individuals with connections to convicted sex offenders like Jeffrey Epstein. While Goldberg's name appearing in the files does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing, it underscores the importance of carefully examining all relationships and potential abuses of power, regardless of one's status or celebrity.