Major Controversies Surrounding Oprah Winfrey: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Oprah Winfrey—discover key moments of controversy.

Oprah Winfrey is a highly influential American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and media proprietor. Her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, aired for 25 years and made her one of the most influential women globally. She was the richest African-American of the 20th century and the world's only black billionaire at one point. Known as the "Queen of All Media", Winfrey's career spans entertainment, business, and philanthropy.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1985: Alleged Drug-Related Affair

In 1985, Oprah Winfrey was allegedly involved in a drug-related love affair with Randolph Cook, who claimed they lived together for several months and used drugs.

April 16, 1996: Mad Cow Disease Show

During a show about mad cow disease with Howard Lyman, aired on April 16, 1996, Oprah Winfrey said she was stopped cold from eating another burger, leading to a lawsuit from Texas cattlemen.

1997: Cook Attempted to Sue Winfrey

In 1997, Randolph Cook attempted to sue Oprah Winfrey for $20 million, alleging she blocked a tell-all book about their alleged relationship.

1998: Cattlemen Lawsuit

In early 1998, Texas cattlemen sued Oprah Winfrey and Howard Lyman for "false defamation of perishable food" and "business disparagement," claiming that Winfrey's remarks on mad cow disease sent cattle prices tumbling, costing beef producers $11 million.

2001: Chatman found liable for fraud

In 2001, Lavern Chatman was found liable for her role in a scheme to defraud hundreds of District of Columbia nursing-home employees of at least $1.4 million in owed wages.

February 2003: Series Interrupted by War Press Conference

In February 2003, a series on Oprah's show, in which Winfrey showed clips from people all over the world asking America not to go to war, was interrupted in several East Coast markets by network broadcasts of a press conference in which President George W. Bush and Colin Powell summarized the case for war.

August 2006: Addressed Gay Rumors

In the August 2006 issue of O, the Oprah Magazine, Oprah Winfrey addressed the persistent rumors that she and Gayle King were gay, explaining that their close bond is not sexual and she is not ashamed of her sexuality.

2006: Confronted James Frey

After James Frey's A Million Little Pieces was found to contain fabrications, Oprah Winfrey confronted him on her show over the breach of trust in 2006.

A Million Little Pieces

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2006: Criticism from Rappers

In 2006, Ludacris, 50 Cent, and Ice Cube criticized Oprah Winfrey for perceived anti-hip hop bias. Ludacris claimed Winfrey gave him a "hard time" about his lyrics during an appearance on her show. Winfrey responded that she opposed rap lyrics that "marginalize women."

2006: Oprah Recalls Controversies Over Anti-War Show

In 2006, Oprah Winfrey recalled the controversies after airing a show titled "Is War the Only Answer?", mentioning she received hate mail and was accused of being un-American for even raising the question.

2007: Oprah Endorses 'The Secret'

In 2007, Oprah Winfrey began to endorse the self-help program 'The Secret'.

September 2008: Sarah Palin Controversy

In September 2008, Oprah Winfrey faced criticism after reports that she refused to have Sarah Palin on her show due to her support for Barack Obama. Winfrey denied the report, stating there was no discussion about Palin's appearance and that she had decided not to use her show as a platform for any candidates after publicly supporting Obama.

2008: Oprah Endorses Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth"

In 2008, Oprah Winfrey endorsed author and spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle and his book, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose, which sold several million extra copies after being selected for her book club.

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose (Oprah's Book Club, Selection 61)

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2009: Apologized to James Frey

In 2009, Oprah Winfrey apologized to James Frey for the public confrontation regarding the fabrications in his book A Million Little Pieces.

2009: Criticism for Show Content

In 2009, Oprah Winfrey faced criticism for allowing Suzanne Somers to discuss hormone treatments not accepted by mainstream medicine on her show. Critics also suggested that Winfrey was not tough enough on celebrity guests or politicians she liked. Lisa de Moraes criticized Winfrey's lack of follow-up questions, especially after the James Frey controversy.

2010: Bill O'Reilly Criticizes Oprah's Denmark Shows

In 2010, Bill O'Reilly of Fox News criticized Oprah Winfrey's shows filmed in Denmark for promoting a left-wing society.

2020: Criticism of Dr. Oz's Comments on Coronavirus

In 2020, there were calls for Oprah Winfrey to denounce Dr. Oz in reaction to his comments about coronavirus and his promotion of a poorly vetted drug as a cure.