The world of entertainment 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 at the 2025 Academy Awards, scheduled for March 23 at the Dolby Theater. In an explosive statement on Twitter/X on Wednesday, Costner declared, “The nasties don’t belong here,” referring directly to Goldberg, sparking a storm of outrage and speculation about what sparked this public spat between the two film giants. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) is now under pressure to respond as Hollywood’s most prestigious event threatens to be marred by the drama.
Tensions reached a fever pitch when AMPAS announced that Costner and Goldberg, both nominated for Oscars for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress for their roles in Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 3 and The Color Purple: The Next Chapter, would be honored together in a special segment to recognize their contributions to the art of film. However, on Tuesday night, a visibly angry Costner posted a video on X in which he said, “I will not share the stage with Whoopi Goldberg. She is toxic, manipulative and does not represent the values that should be honored at the Academy Awards. The bad guys do not belong here and I will not be a part of it.” The post, which garnered over 5 million views and 2 million likes in a matter of hours, shocked Hollywood.
Goldberg, 69, co-host of talk show The View and Oscar winner for 1990’s Ghost, was quick to respond during Thursday’s live show. “Kevin Costner can call me whatever he wants, but I’m not going to bow my head. I’ve worked my whole life to be here, and your words are not just an attack on me, but on all black women in the film industry,” she said, tears in her eyes but keeping her composure. Goldberg’s comment drew applause from the audience and an outpouring of support on social media; the hashtag #StandWithWhoopi was trending on X alongside #CostnerSnub.
What sparked Costner’s attack is still unclear, but sources close to the actor suggest the feud dates back to an incident in 2023 when Goldberg made critical comments about Yellowstone during an appearance on The View, calling the series an “over-the-top drama that ignores diversity.” Costner, who considers “Yellowstone” his life’s work, was reportedly furious but has remained tight-lipped. Other rumors point to an unresolved dispute over a role in a 2021 film in which both were competing for financing, but no concrete evidence has been provided.
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 nervous breakdown and Oscar can’t let him ruin such a special moment.” Some are speculating that Costner’s comment about “the meanies” may be related to recent allegations about Goldberg’s divisive behavior, including her temporary suspension from “The View” in 2024 following controversial comments about racial politics.
AMPAS said in a cautious statement on Friday: “We are aware of the situation between Kevin Costner and Whoopi Goldberg and are evaluating the impact on the 2025 ceremony. Our goal is to celebrate the film and preserve the integrity of the Oscars, but any decision will be made carefully and in consultation with both parties.” Insider sources suggest that the Academy is considering removing Costner or Goldberg from the special segment, but this could alienate millions of fans of the two actors.
The incident also raised questions about AMPAS’ internal politics and the film industry’s underpinnings. Oscar producers, including Michael De Luca, admitted to Variety that they are “desperately trying to avoid a live broadcast disaster.” They fear that tensions could arise between Costner and Goldberg during the event, potentially leading to lower viewership at the 2025 Oscars, which already faces competition from other awards shows.
Meanwhile, social media continues to be abuzz, with clips from The View and interviews with Costner racking up millions of views. The hashtag #OscarDrama2025 has already garnered over 10 million interactions on X, and fans are debating whether Costner is trying to get attention or whether Goldberg has really gone too far. “Kevin may be right about the toxicity, but this is a low blow,” tweeted @Cinephile2025.
The Oscars are less than a month away, and the future of Costner and Goldberg’s participation remains uncertain. The AMPAS is scheduled to meet next week to discuss the matter, but fans are already predicting a historic moment — or disaster — at the Dolby Theater. Stay tuned for updates on X with #CostnerSnub, as this explosive story will continue to shape the biggest cinematic event of 2025.
