Daytime television is no stranger to controversy, but even for a show known for heated debates, this moment was unprecedented.
On a recent episode of The View, co-host Sunny Hostin sent shockwaves through the studio when she bluntly referred to Elon Musk as a “bastard” on live television.
The moment stopped the show in its tracks, leaving her fellow panelists and the audience visibly stunned.
But it was Musk’s unexpected reaction that turned the situation from a standard celebrity feud into a moment of internet history.
The billionaire’s response was so unshakable, so effortlessly cutting, that it instantly set social media on fire, triggering a debate that spiraled into one of the most talked-about media clashes of the year.
What led to this stunning public attack?
And why did Joy Behar rush to issue an immediate apology on live television?
Here’s how the drama unfolded—and why it’s not over yet.
The Unfiltered Moment That Left ‘The View’ in Chaos
The explosive moment occurred during a discussion about Elon Musk’s controversial management of X (formerly Twitter), a topic that has been a lightning rod for debate in political and media circles.
Hostin, known for her outspoken views, had already been voicing strong criticism of Musk’s leadership when, seemingly out of nowhere, she let the insult fly.
“Elon Musk is just a… bastard.”
The immediate reaction inside the studio was pure shock.
Joy Behar’s eyes widened. Whoopi Goldberg let out an audible gasp. The audience, caught completely off guard, reacted with a mix of nervous laughter, gasps, and stunned silence.
For a moment, the entire show seemed to freeze in disbelief.
Then, panic set in.
Producers in the control room scrambled to react. A few seconds of awkward silence stretched uncomfortably on air, before Joy Behar, visibly uneasy, jumped in to attempt damage control.
“Well… that’s quite a statement.”
Her tone was light, but the tension was undeniable.
But the drama was only just beginning.
Because, as viewers were still reeling from the moment, Elon Musk himself decided to respond.
And he did it in the most Musk way possible.
Elon Musk’s Brutal Response—And the Internet Firestorm That Followed
Within minutes of the now-viral moment, Musk broke his silence with a single, devastating tweet.
Rather than expressing outrage or engaging in a public spat, Musk responded with a subtle yet razor-sharp dig that instantly took over the internet.
“Courtesy has always been the strength of some people.”
That was it.
No direct mention of Hostin. No aggressive counterattack. Just one perfectly crafted line dripping with sarcasm—the kind of passive-aggressive blow that hits harder than any insult could.
