Sunny Hostin says Helen of Troy ‘can be Black’, sparks backlash: 'She was Greek'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: ‘The View’ co-host Sunny Hostin sparked an online debate after saying Helen of Troy “can be Black” during a discussion on Greek history and cultural representation on the daytime talk show.

Hostin’s comments quickly circulated on social media, drawing both support and criticism as users reacted to her remarks about how ancient mythological figures are interpreted in modern contexts.

Sunny Hostin references ‘Black Athena’ during Greek history discussion

While discussing portrayals of historical and mythological figures, Hostin referenced the book Black Athena, which argues that ancient Greek civilization was influenced by African and Near Eastern cultures.

“If you think Helen of Troy cannot be Black, you don’t know history,” Hostin said during the segment.

According to Hostin, debates around African influence in ancient civilizations are not new and have been part of academic discussions for years. She suggested that diverse portrayals of figures like Helen of Troy should not be dismissed as historically impossible.

The discussion around Black Athena has remained controversial for decades due to its challenge to traditional interpretations of ancient Greek origins.

Traditional views on Helen of Troy and ancient Greece

In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy is described as the daughter of Zeus and Leda and is traditionally portrayed within Greek cultural narratives.

Mainstream historical understanding places ancient Greek civilization within the Mediterranean world, while acknowledging extensive cultural exchange through trade and interaction with neighboring regions.

The debate around mythological figures today often focuses less on fixed identity and more on how ancient stories are reinterpreted in modern cultural and media contexts.

Online backlash grows over Sunny Hostin remarks

The discussion spread widely online after clips of Hostin’s comments circulated across platforms, prompting mixed reactions from users.

Some defended her remarks, pointing to academic discussions around cultural exchange in antiquity. Others strongly pushed back, arguing that Greek mythological and historical figures should not be reinterpreted through modern racial frameworks.

One user wrote, “Why is she so pro black and anti everything else she’s isn’t black her self"

Another said, “Why do we let idiots like this have a platform like The View? She is literally making her audience dumber… Cleopatra was not black and neither was Helen of Troy to argue otherwise just means you’re delusional."

Another added, “She blends Greek myth, African influence, and modern American race politics into one reheated bowl of television-grade BS. The real scandal is that this ignorance comes with a salary."

One user wrote, “Helen of Troy was Greek. Cleopatra was Greek. Homer was Greek. Plato, Socrates and Aristotle, all Greek."

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