Whoopi Goldberg is setting the record straight after discovering an unauthorized advertisement featuring her likeness promoting weight loss drugs. 

The moderator of The View took a moment during Wednesday’s episode of the ABC talk show to warn viewers about the deceptive ad 

and express her frustration over artificial intelligence being used to manipulate her image and voice without consent.

Whoopi Addresses Fake Instagram Ad on ‘The View’

During Wednesday’s episode of The View, Goldberg made an unscheduled announcement before heading into a commercial break. 

She wanted to personally alert her audience about the misleading ad, which had been circulating on Instagram.

“There’s a phony weight loss ad floating around online, on Instagram, that has me — uh huh,” Goldberg said, as the audience reacted with audible disapproval. “AI-mouthed, saying all kinds of stuff about — you know, I don’t sell anything. Unless I say ‘Hey, it’s me, Whoopi,’ that’s how you know it’s me.”

Goldberg’s remarks made it clear that she had no involvement in any weight loss promotions and urged fans to be cautious of such scams.

AI Manipulation and Celebrity Endorsement Scams

The use of artificial intelligence to fabricate celebrity endorsements has become a growing issue in recent years. As AI technology advances, scammers are able to create highly realistic videos and images that make it appear as if celebrities are endorsing products they have never even heard of.

In Goldberg’s case, the unauthorized ad featured her likeness and voice to falsely promote weight loss drugs, despite her having no association with the product. AI-generated deepfakes and manipulated audio have made it easier than ever for bad actors to exploit famous figures for financial gain, misleading consumers in the process.

The Dangers of AI-Generated Misinformation

Goldberg’s situation highlights a much larger issue: the increasing prevalence of AI-generated misinformation. Deepfake technology has been used to create convincing yet entirely false videos, images, and audio recordings, raising concerns about the potential for fraud, political manipulation, and reputational damage.

For celebrities, these fraudulent endorsements can have serious consequences. Fans who trust their favorite public figures may purchase products under false pretenses, only to later realize they were deceived. In some cases, these scams can also tarnish a celebrity’s reputation, as people may believe they willingly participated in misleading advertising.

Beyond the world of celebrity endorsements, deepfake technology has raised concerns about misinformation in politics, journalism, and everyday digital interactions. As AI becomes more advanced, experts warn that it could become increasingly difficult to distinguish real content from fake.

How Social Media Platforms Are Responding

With AI-generated scams on the rise, social media companies like Meta (which owns Instagram and Facebook) are under pressure to crack down on fraudulent ads and misleading content. While platforms have implemented measures to detect and remove fake endorsements, many still slip through the cracks.

Goldberg’s callout of the Instagram ad underscores the need for greater oversight and improved technology to prevent AI-driven misinformation from spreading. Consumers are urged to be cautious when encountering celebrity endorsements online, especially when they seem too good to be true.

Whoopi’s Advice to Fans: Verify Before Believing

Goldberg ended her message to viewers with a simple yet important reminder: If she’s endorsing a product, you’ll hear it directly from her.

“I don’t sell anything,” she said emphatically. “Unless I say ‘Hey, it’s me, Whoopi,’ that’s how you know it’s me.”

Her advice serves as a valuable lesson for all social media users. Before purchasing a product based on a celebrity endorsement, it’s crucial to verify its authenticity. Checking official social media accounts, websites, and reputable sources can help consumers avoid falling victim to scams.

The Fight Against AI Scams Continues

Whoopi Goldberg’s experience is just one example of how AI is being misused to deceive the public. As technology evolves, so too must the safeguards against its potential for harm. Celebrities, social media companies, and regulators will need to work together to combat AI-generated fraud and protect consumers from deceptive advertising.

In the meantime, Goldberg’s warning serves as an important reminder: Not everything you see online is real, and sometimes, even the most convincing celebrity endorsements are nothing more than AI-generated illusions.

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