Whoopi Goldberg slams Trump over racist AI Lion King video featuring apes and a hippo

Whoopi Goldberg has hit back at Donald Trump after an AI-generated video reimagined her as an animal in the world of The Lion King. Speaking on daytime television, the actor and talk show host criticised the clip as racist and factually incorrect, while urging people to think more carefully before creating or sharing content that targets individuals.

Whoopi Goldberg responds to AI video

According to Deadline, Goldberg said the joke failed on multiple levels. She reminded viewers that she did not even voice a hippo in the Disney classic, before pointing out the problematic nature of the animal chosen to mock her.

“Just be aware — hippos will kill you faster than a lion in the wild. Hippos lay on you and you’re gone. They chase you… If you’re going to make fun of folks, just make up your own stuff and admit that you did it,” she said.

Her remarks came as the panel discussed the former US president’s online behaviour and his repeated references to past political rivals.

Sunny Hostin joins criticism of Trump

Fellow co-host Sunny Hostin widened the discussion, arguing that Trump remains fixated on former president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.

“The Obamas live rent-free in [Trump’s] head, because he knows he will never be as excellent. He knows he will never have half of the class that they have. He knows that he won’t have the marriage that they have… He will never have the Nobel Peace Prize. He will just never have the swag that President Obama has. He will never have the popularity that President Obama has — and that’s what he wants. He’s just a deeply small man,” Hostin said.

The exchange quickly spread online, sparking debate among supporters and critics over whether the AI clip crossed the line. Goldberg, however, kept the focus on accountability, urging creators of satire to take responsibility for their work rather than hide behind technology.