Oscar-winning actor Whoopi Goldberg trolled for ‘not political’ remark on murdered Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska and her killer Decarlos Brown Jr

Whoopi Goldberg is facing criticism and online trolling after she remarked on the stabbing incident of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, North Carolina. Goldberg commented on the tragic incident, stating, "A young woman is dead. Let's take that into consideration. And yes, a man who should have been behind bars was loose and out." She further emphasized, "He was a schizophrenic man. His mother begged them to take him and put him away. So stop politicizing this. This is not political. This has to do with how we take care of our sick Americans when they are in need."

The comments have sparked a wave of criticism online, with many accusing Goldberg of downplaying the severity of the crime, shifting focus away from the victim and sympathizing with the accused Decarlos Brown Jr. Critics argue that her remarks inadvertently politicize the tragedy and detract from the need for justice for Zarutska. The incident has also reignited debates about mental health care and public safety.

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Who is Whoopi Goldberg?

Whoopi Goldberg, born Caryn Elaine Johnson in 1955, is an American actor, comedian, and television host who has achieved EGOT status with Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony wins. Best known for her Oscar-winning role in Ghost and as the longtime moderator of The View, she is a prominent cultural voice.

The incident

Zarutska was fatally stabbed aboard a Lynx Blue Line light rail train by Decarlos Brown Jr., a 34-year-old with a history of mental illness and prior arrests. Brown has been charged with first-degree murder and a federal offense related to violence on mass transportation systems. Fuming over the tragedy, Trump called the suspect an “animal” and declared that the “only” punishment fitting the crime would be the death penalty. Local officials and transit authorities have called for increased security measures after this incident.