Whoopi Goldberg used an episode of "The View" to defend Elliot Page against transphobic backlash over his casting as Sinon, Odysseus's cousin, in Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey." She dismissed criticism from commentator Ben Shapiro, who had mocked Page's physical appearance and voice, arguing that people who object to the casting simply shouldn't watch the film and questioning why anyone should care who is cast in it.

Shapiro had called Page's casting an "absolute puzzler," making derogatory remarks about his height, weight and voice. Goldberg also criticised the broader use of the word "woke," saying it is unfairly applied to ordinary people rather than those pushing an agenda. The backlash follows earlier inaccurate rumours that Page would play Achilles, which drew comment from Elon Musk, and similar racist criticism aimed at co-star Lupita Nyong'o. Despite the controversy, the film has been unaffected commercially, delivering Nolan's biggest opening ever and surpassing $300 million at the global box office.