At the 2025 Oscars, an unexpected and shocking moment unfolded when Oprah Winfrey, during a live interview segment, called Elon Musk a “scumbag” in front of a star-studded audience. The comment, which came seemingly out of nowhere, immediately left the crowd in stunned silence, as whispers spread through the venue. The tension in the room was palpable as the spotlight shifted to Musk, who was sitting a few rows away from Oprah.

 

The comment was made during a segment where Oprah was speaking with several high-profile figures about the evolving nature of celebrity, influence, and technology. When Musk’s name was brought up, Oprah, known for her candor, took an unexpected jab at him, referencing his controversial public persona and recent business decisions. “You know, sometimes people are celebrated in this industry, but they don’t always deserve it,” she remarked. “Take someone like Elon Musk, for example. He’s a scumbag in my book, and I’m not afraid to say it.”

The audience gasped, unsure if it was part of a scripted joke or if Oprah had truly meant what she said. Musk, ever the unpredictable figure, did not flinch. Instead, he calmly rose from his seat and addressed the situation in a way that left everyone in the room more surprised than ever.