Explosive Scandal! Kevin Costner Attacks Whoopi Goldberg, Refuses to Share 2025 Oscar Stage – ‘The Mean Ones Don’t Belong Here!’
The entertainment world was rocked by a shocking controversy when Kevin Costner, the Hollywood icon known for his roles in Dances with Wolves and Yellowstone, publicly refused to share the stage with Whoopi Goldberg during the 2025 Oscars ceremony, scheduled for March 23 at the Dolby Theatre. In an explosive statement made on Twitter/X on Wednesday, Costner declared, “The meanies don’t belong here,” referring directly to Goldberg, setting off a firestorm of backlash, outrage and speculation about what prompted this public spat between two giants of cinema. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) is now facing pressure to respond as Hollywood’s most prestigious event threatens to be tarnished by the drama.
Tensions came to a head when AMPAS announced that Costner and Goldberg, both nominated for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress Oscars for their respective roles in Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 3 and The Color Purple: The Next Chapter, would be honored together in a special segment celebrating their contributions to film. However, on Tuesday night, Costner posted a video on X, visibly furious, saying, “I will not be sharing the stage with Whoopi Goldberg. She is toxic, manipulative, and does not represent the values that the Oscars should honor. Meanies do not belong here, and I will not be a part of it.” The post, which racked up more than 5 million views and 2 million likes in just a few hours, left Hollywood reeling.
Goldberg, 69, a co-host of The View and an Oscar winner for 1990’s Ghost, quickly responded during Thursday’s live show. “Kevin Costner can call me whatever he wants, but I will not bow my head. I have worked my entire life to be here, and his words are an attack on not only me, but on all black women in film,” she said, tears welling up in her eyes but maintaining her composure. Goldberg’s comment drew applause from the audience and an outpouring of support on social media, with the hashtag #StandWithWhoopi trending alongside #CostnerSnub.
What prompted Costner’s outburst remains unclear, but sources close to the actor suggest the feud dates back to an incident in 2023 when Goldberg allegedly made critical comments about Yellowstone during an appearance on The View, calling the series “an overblown drama that ignores diversity.” Costner, who considers Yellowstone his life’s work, was reportedly furious but has remained silent so far. Other rumors point to an unresolved dispute over a role in a 2021 film where the two competed for funding, but no concrete evidence has been presented.
Fans at X are divided. “Kevin is right — Whoopi has been toxic lately, especially with her political views,” tweeted @HollywoodTruth2025, while @WhoopiFanForever responded, “This is ridiculous! Kevin is having a meltdown, and the Oscars can’t let him ruin such a special moment.” Some speculate that Costner’s comment about “the meanies” may be related to recent allegations of Goldberg’s divisive behavior, including her temporary suspension from *The View* in 2024 after controversial comments about racial politics.
AMPAS, in a cautious statement on Friday, said: “We are aware of the situation between Kevin Costner and Whoopi Goldberg and are reviewing the implications for the 2025 ceremony. Our goal is to celebrate film and maintain the integrity of the Oscars, but any decision will be made carefully and in consultation with both parties.” Insiders suggest the academy may consider removing Costner or Goldberg from the special segment, but that could alienate millions of fans of both actors.
The incident also raised questions about the internal politics of AMPAS and the workings of the film industry. Oscar producers including Michael De Luca admitted to Variety that they are “desperate to avoid a live broadcast disaster,” fearing that tensions between Costner and Goldberg could erupt during the event, potentially reducing viewership for the 2025 Oscars, which already face competition from other awards shows.
Meanwhile, social media continues to be abuzz, with clips of clips from *The View* and Costner interviews racking up millions of views. The hashtag #OscarDrama2025 has already racked up more than 10 million interactions on X, with fans debating whether Costner is trying to steal the spotlight or if Goldberg has truly crossed a line. “Kevin may be right about toxicity, but this is a low blow,” tweeted @Cinephile2025.
With the Oscars less than a month away, the future of Costner and Goldberg’s involvement remains uncertain. AMPAS is set to meet next week to discuss the matter, but fans are already predicting a historic moment — or disaster — at the Dolby Theatre. Stay tuned for updates on X with #CostnerSnub as this explosive story continues to shape the biggest event in cinema in 2025.
