Whoopi Goldberg Begs Fans Not to ‘Indulge’ the Weight Loss Ad Using Her Likeness: ‘It’s a Lot of BS’
Whoopi Goldberg is not afraid to make waves, as both her supporters and critics know. Recently, the actor and comedian interrupted The View‘s regularly scheduled programming to inform viewers of an ad on social media using her likeness, which the 69-year-old did not endorse. “No, no, we are not going [to commercial] yet,” Goldberg declared during airtime. “I’m going to do this.”
Whoopi Goldberg becomes the next celebrity with a stolen identity
You’ve likely encountered an AI-generated video while scrolling Instagram or Facebook. This deepfake content has been used to create fake interviews, misleading social media posts, and even explicit content featuring celebrities like Scarlett Johansson and Taylor Swift. Now, the AI controversy has ensnared Goldberg.
The longtime co-host of The View paused the show to explain that an Instagram advertisement used her likeness to promote a weight loss drug. Goldberg didn’t specify which company or medication created the commercial. But she did say, “I’m giving everybody a heads-up. There is a phony weight loss ad floating around online, on Instagram, that has me [with an] AI mouth saying all kinds of stuff.” The For Colored Girls actor urged viewers, “Do not indulge in this, do not look at this.”
Goldberg called it a “lot of BS,” continuing, “That’s the problem with AI. You don’t know who made it … Do not fall for it.” In the past, the Sister Act star has appeared in commercials and partnerships with bakery brand Entenmann’s and fashion label AMI. However, she has not endorsed this weight-loss drug on social media. She gave a simple way for fans to know whether it’s truly her. “Unless I say, ‘Hey, it’s me, Whoopi.’ That’s how you know it’s me,” she stated.
Whoopi Goldberg has used a weight-loss drug in the past
One year ago, the Ghost actor revealed that she used Mounjaro, a brand-name version of a GLP-1 drug that treats diabetes and obesity. At the time, she weighed nearly 300 pounds, gaining weight after a near-fatal health scare. “I’m doing that wonderful little shot that works for folks who need some help,” she shared on The Kelly Clarkson Show. “It’s been really good for me.”
The video featuring “Whoopi Goldberg” is far from the only AI-generated strategy for imitating celebrities. AI-generated voices have been used to mimic celebrities like Drake, Morgan Freeman, and Jay-Z without permission. This has led to lawsuits over the unauthorized use of their vocal likeness. AI has also been used to create fake interviews, news articles, and chatbots featuring celebrities making statements they never said. All of this adds to the conversation around privacy and digital ownership rights — something Goldberg likely feels strongly about.
