Whoopi Goldberg's Response to Idris Elba's Therapy Confession Sparks Debate
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Whoopi Goldberg upset some fans of The View after criticizing Idris Elba's decision to seek therapy and publicly open up about his journey.
The discussion erupted during the Monday, Oct. 2 episode, following a clip of Elba's appearance on Annie Macmanus' podcast Changes with Annie Macmanus, in which he revealed that he's "been in therapy for about a year now."
"It’s a lot," Elba continued, "It’s not because I don’t like myself or anything like that, it’s just because I have some unhealthy habits that have really formed. And I work in an industry that I’m rewarded for those unhealthy habits… I’m rewarded for that. Whether it’s to be selfish or [because] I’m a workaholic. I’m an absolute workaholic, and that isn’t great for life generally."
While Goldberg's co-hosts–Ana Navarro, Sunny Hostin, Alyssa Farah Griffin and Sara Haines–fawned over the star and the sound of his voice, the 67-year-old was not impressed by The Wire alum.
"I’m not interested because I like waking up to kitty cats that say feed me. There’s no fuss, no muss. There’s nobody that says, ‘I can’t come home ’cause I’m busy.’ No, there’s no problem. People are saying he’s working so hard that he doesn’t have time to get home," the Sister Act star shared.
Navarro interjected, praising the 51-year-old Luther actor for his honesty and taking steps to better himself. "I think it's important, though, that he's talking about seeking therapy, as we know, men get therapy and address mental health issues a lot less than women."
"And Black men and Latino men even less," Navarro continued, "So anytime a man, like John Fetterman in the senate or Idris Elba, can use their massive platform to destigmatize it, it's a good thing."
Goldberg disagreed, claiming she "heard something totally different" from the actor's interview.
"I’d be mad as hell at him if I was his wife. Because basically you’re saying you have to go to therapy to figure out how to come home," she said. "That’s an issue between you and I when you put it out there."
Online audiences, however, spun out into a heated debate.
"Workaholic, alcoholic, shopaholic, etc. All should be taken seriously...." one fan replied on X (formerly known as Twitter). "Whoppi needs to chill..."
"Notice how when it’s a man’s problem Woopi turned it around and made it about her?" another suggested.
"I'm confused why people are giving Idris grief for seeking help over being a workaholic," one Youtuber added. "Isn't trying to become a better man something to be celebrated?"
"Disagree with Woopie [sic]. She didn't listen. The reason he's in therapy is because he WANTS to spend more time with the family and recognizes he has a mental health problem preventing that," someone else shared.
Others, however, appeared to agree with Goldberg's analysis.
"Wish they had more time to discuss Whoopi's point towards the end 'cause that was interesting," one top-liked YouTube comment read.
"I think there are deeper issues with Idris than workaholism; an assessment is needed to analyze why he derives so much gratification from working that he is fine with neglecting other important relationships," a second added. "Is there also a fear of commitment? I agree with Whoopi that it must be difficult for his wife to hear him say that. Sunny has such a shallow approach to the question; being married to a handsome, successful but emotionally and physically unavailable person is difficult and a recipe for divorce."
Next: Why Whoopi Goldberg Slammed 'The View' Co-Hosts for Talking About Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce Romance
