In a stunning and emotionally charged joint statement that is now echoing across social media and news outlets, WNBA star Brittney Griner and legendary actress and talk show host Whoopi Goldberg have announced that they are “stepping away from life in America”, citing a deep sense of alienation, cultural disillusionment, and—most surprisingly—Elon Musk as a symbol of what they believe the country has become.

The statement, released late last night, reads like a mix of political protest, personal exhaustion, and symbolic exile. While critics accuse them of performative grandstanding, their message has struck a chord with many Americans who feel increasingly disconnected from the nation’s evolving identity.

The Full Statement

“We have no place left here. America no longer feels like home,” the joint letter reads.
“When billionaires like Elon Musk shape culture, politics, and even speech itself—unchecked, unchallenged, and glorified—those of us who’ve fought for equity, for empathy, and for humanity feel erased.”

The statement continues, touching on issues of race, gender, the collapse of public discourse, and the growing influence of tech oligarchs over democratic institutions.

“This is no longer about right or left. It’s about dignity. It’s about what kind of future is being written—and by whom.”

Why Elon Musk?

To some, it might seem strange that Elon Musk—a tech mogul rather than a traditional political figure—would be singled out as a catalyst for such a dramatic departure. But Griner and Goldberg explain their reasoning in subsequent interviews and social media posts:

Cultural Influence: Musk’s control over X (formerly Twitter) is described by Goldberg as “the final straw,” arguing that he’s “platformed hate, silenced truth, and ridiculed the vulnerable—all under the flag of ‘free speech.’”

Socioeconomic Power: Griner, who has long spoken about the gap between athletes’ fame and their political power, pointed to Musk as a “hyper-symbol of inequality”—someone who can “buy speech, sway elections, and shape public morality from a billionaire’s bunker.”

Disillusionment with Progress: Both women argue that the America they believed in—the one striving toward justice, civil rights, and communal care—has been replaced by “techno-libertarian chaos,” where money matters more than morality.

Reactions: Divided and Loud

Predictably, the response has been polarizing:

Supporters are calling the statement “brave” and “necessary,” saying it gives voice to millions who feel abandoned by modern America’s values.

Critics, especially on conservative and libertarian platforms, have mocked the move, labeling it “Hollywood drama” and accusing both women of “running away” instead of staying to fight.

Elon Musk himself, true to form, responded with a cryptic tweet:

“America isn’t a hotel. You don’t check out—you help fix the plumbing.”

Where Are They Going?

While neither Griner nor Goldberg has announced a permanent move, sources close to both women say they’re exploring extended residencies abroad. Griner, who previously spent time imprisoned in Russia and has deep concerns about her safety in the U.S., is reportedly considering Europe or South Africa. Goldberg has hinted at a retreat to “a quieter life abroad, where discourse isn’t poisoned and power isn’t so loud.”

Whether symbolic or literal, their departure is clearly meant to serve as a wake-up call—not just to Elon Musk, but to a nation at a cultural and moral crossroads.

A Reflection of a Broader Sentiment?

While their announcement is high-profile, Griner and Goldberg are not alone. There has been a growing wave of artists, thinkers, journalists, and everyday Americans expressing a desire to “leave” not just physically, but spiritually—from an America they no longer recognize.

The root causes vary: economic inequality, cultural wars, political polarization, or—as in this case—the feeling that public discourse is now owned, curated, and weaponized by the ultra-rich.

In this view, Musk is not the sole cause, but a powerful symbol: a man who controls space travel, social media, and the attention economy—and who, in doing so, has come to represent the dangers of unaccountable influence.

Conclusion

Brittney Griner and Whoopi Goldberg saying “farewell” to America is not just a headline—it’s a statement. One layered with pain, exhaustion, defiance, and perhaps, a sliver of hope that things might still change.

Whether or not they truly leave the country, one thing is clear: they’ve left a mark. And their message—that America’s soul may be slipping away beneath the noise of memes, money, and men like Musk—is now part of the national conversation.