In an unexpected and controversial moment during the 2025 Academy Awards, Whoopi Goldberg, the event’s host, shocked the audience when she called tech mogul Elon Musk a “scumbag” live on stage.

The incident, which took place during the presentation of a major award, immediately went viral and left everyone in the ceremony in stunned silence.

Goldberg, known for her humor and candid style, was addressing the audience when the comment was made. As she mentioned Musk’s name, she casually threw in the harsh remark, “And here we have this scumbag, Elon Musk,” causing a stir in the audience.

Many were left in disbelief at the unexpected verbal jab, especially considering the prestigious nature of the event.

The moment was met with an uncomfortable silence in the auditorium, as the cameras panned to Musk, who appeared visibly surprised. However, what happened next took the situation to a whole new level. Without missing a beat, Musk immediately reacted, taking to Twitter in real time to address the comment.

“Unbelievable. If someone has an issue with me, I’d prefer they approach me directly instead of using such disrespectful tactics on a global stage,” Musk tweeted, his words quickly gaining traction online.

The incident immediately became a topic of discussion across social media platforms, with fans, commentators, and celebrities weighing in. Some sided with Goldberg, arguing that her comment was simply a moment of comedy or frustration, while others defended Musk, calling Goldberg’s remark unprofessional and inappropriate, especially at such a high-profile event.

As the night went on, the Academy tried to downplay the situation, focusing on the awards and speeches. However, the damage had already been done. The Oscars, which are meant to be a celebration of cinematic excellence, now found themselves in the middle of a media frenzy, with all eyes on the fallout between Goldberg and Musk.

The tension between the two personalities is not new. Musk and Goldberg have had a history of subtle disagreements, particularly on social media, where Musk’s bold views often clash with those of Hollywood elites like Goldberg. This altercation at the Oscars has reignited public interest in their ongoing feud.

Backstage, sources reveal that the Oscars’ organizers were scrambling to manage the situation, ensuring the remainder of the evening proceeded without further incident. However, many felt that the night’s shine had been dimmed by the unexpected clash.

While some may chalk this up to a moment of high tension and humor gone wrong, it raises important questions about the intersection of entertainment, social media, and personal conflicts in the public eye. With Musk’s influence in tech and business, and Goldberg’s prominence in Hollywood, their spat has captured the attention of millions and will likely continue to make headlines in the days to come.

As the 2025 Oscars wrap up, one thing is clear: the awards ceremony will be remembered not only for its accolades but also for the surprising and intense public clash between Whoopi Goldberg and Elon Musk—an incident that no one saw coming but everyone is talking about.