During a heated segment on The View, longtime co-host Joy Behar shocked audiences when she unexpectedly referred to billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk as a “bastard.” The unfiltered remark sent waves of shock through the studio audience and left her fellow panelists visibly stunned. Musk’s reaction, however, was what truly left the room in disbelief, triggering a moment that will be remembered in daytime television history. The dramatic exchange was followed by an immediate apology from Behar, but the damage had already been done, and social media erupted in debate over the incident.

The conversation that led to the controversy began as the hosts of The View discussed Musk’s latest ventures and recent statements on artificial intelligence, free speech, and space exploration. The topic quickly turned heated as Behar expressed her concerns about Musk’s influence, questioning whether his actions were truly for the betterment of society or simply driven by personal gain. Known for her outspoken nature and strong political opinions, Behar has never shied away from controversy, but even her most devoted fans were taken aback by her choice of words.

As the discussion intensified, Behar, in a moment of frustration, blurted out, “Honestly, the guy’s a total bastard!” The studio fell silent, and gasps could be heard from the audience. Co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg and Sara Haines immediately widened their eyes in shock, while Alyssa Farah Griffin covered her mouth in disbelief. The show’s production team hesitated for a moment before attempting to move the conversation forward. However, it was Musk’s reaction that truly shifted the mood of the room.

Shortly after Behar’s comment, Musk, who was reportedly watching the segment live, took to social media with a single, cryptic tweet: “Classy.” The simplicity of the response only added fuel to the fire, and within minutes, Twitter and other platforms were flooded with reactions. Some users condemned Behar for her remarks, calling them unprofessional and inappropriate, while others defended her, arguing that Musk’s business practices and public persona have long been controversial.

Recognizing the gravity of her words, Behar swiftly issued an on-air apology before the segment ended. “I want to take a moment to apologize for my choice of words earlier. I got caught up in the heat of the discussion, and I regret using that language. That’s not the way I should have expressed myself, and I sincerely apologize to Elon Musk and to our viewers.”

The apology, however, did little to quell the backlash. Supporters of Musk took to social media demanding further accountability, with some calling for Behar to be reprimanded by ABC, the network that airs The View. Others noted that similar instances in the past have led to suspensions or even terminations for television personalities. On the other hand, some critics of Musk defended Behar, arguing that she was merely voicing frustrations that many share about the billionaire’s influence over various industries, including technology, transportation, and media.

As the debate raged online, celebrities and public figures also chimed in. Some notable figures in the entertainment and business world sided with Musk, stating that Behar’s comment was unwarranted and overly personal. Others, however, took the opportunity to highlight Musk’s past controversial remarks and behaviors, pointing out that he himself has been known to make inflammatory statements.

Meanwhile, ABC executives have yet to release an official statement regarding the controversy. While The View has often been a platform for intense and sometimes polarizing discussions, this particular moment has reignited conversations about the boundaries of free speech on television and the responsibilities of public figures to maintain professionalism, even in unscripted moments.

Elon Musk, for his part, has not elaborated further on his initial tweet, maintaining his usual enigmatic social media presence. Many are now speculating whether he will directly respond to Behar’s apology or if he will let the controversy fade into the background as the news cycle moves forward.

This incident adds to a growing list of high-profile television controversies in recent years, where on-air remarks have led to significant fallout, both online and within broadcasting networks. It also highlights the intense scrutiny under which celebrities and media personalities operate, where even a single word can ignite a nationwide debate.

As the dust begins to settle, one thing is clear—this moment will not soon be forgotten by those who witnessed it. Whether it leads to a broader conversation about civility in media or simply becomes another viral controversy in the never-ending news cycle, Joy Behar’s comment about Elon Musk will remain a topic of discussion for some time to come.