Major Controversies Surrounding Oprah Winfrey: A Detailed Timeline

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

Oprah Winfrey, an American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and media proprietor, rose to fame through her nationally syndicated talk show, *The Oprah Winfrey Show*, which aired for 25 years. Known as the "Queen of All Media," she became the wealthiest African-American of the 20th century and the world's only Black billionaire at one point. Winfrey is often recognized as one of the most influential women globally.

Sections (6)

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

April 16, 1996: Comments on mad cow disease

On April 16, 1996, during a show about mad cow disease with Howard Lyman, Oprah Winfrey stated that she was stopped cold from eating another burger.

1997: Guest appearance on Ellen sitcom

In 1997, Oprah Winfrey played the therapist on an episode of the sitcom "Ellen" in which Ellen DeGeneres came out of the closet, sparking rumors about Winfrey and King being gay.

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1997: Randolph Cook sues Oprah

In 1997, Randolph Cook tried to sue Oprah Winfrey for $20 million for allegedly blocking a tell-all book about their alleged relationship.

1998: Lawsuit by Texas cattlemen

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 April 16, 1996 sent cattle prices tumbling.

2001: Lavern Chatman found liable for fraud

In 2001, Lavern Chatman, for whom Oprah Winfrey held a fundraiser in April 2014, was found liable for her role in a scheme to defraud District of Columbia nursing-home employees.

February 2003: Interruption of Anti-War Series

In February 2003, a series on Oprah Winfrey's show, featuring clips from people worldwide asking America not to go to war, was interrupted in several East Coast markets by network broadcasts of a press conference by President George W. Bush and Colin Powell.

August 2006: Oprah addresses gay rumors in O magazine

In the August 2006 issue of "O, the Oprah Magazine", Oprah Winfrey addressed persistent rumors about her and Gayle King being gay, explaining the deep bond between them and denying any sexual relationship.

2006: Confrontation with James Frey

In 2006, Oprah Winfrey confronted James Frey on her show after his book, "A Million Little Pieces", was found to contain fabrications.

A Million Little Pieces

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2006: Controversy over anti-war stance

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

2006: Rappers Criticize Winfrey

In 2006, rappers Ludacris, 50 Cent, and Ice Cube criticized Oprah Winfrey for what they perceived as an anti-hip hop bias.

2007: Endorsement of The Secret

In 2007, Oprah Winfrey began to endorse the self-help program "The Secret". The Secret claims that people can change their lives through positive thoughts or 'vibrations'.

September 2008: Criticism After Drudge Report on Sarah Palin

In September 2008, Oprah Winfrey faced criticism after the Drudge Report claimed she refused to have Sarah Palin on her show due to her support for Barack Obama. Winfrey denied the report.

2008: Endorsement of 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: Apology to James Frey

In 2009, Oprah Winfrey apologized to James Frey for the public confrontation regarding his book, "A Million Little Pieces", that was aired in 2006.

A Million Little Pieces

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2009: Criticism for Suzanne Somers Appearance

In 2009, Oprah Winfrey was criticized for allowing actress Suzanne Somers to appear on her show to discuss hormone treatments not accepted by mainstream medicine. She also faced criticism for not being tough enough on celebrity guests.