Oct. 6, 2023

Oprah Winfrey – In the Spotlight

After her announcement and criticism of her charity, Oprah Winfrey has recently responded to the backlash faced. We look into her plans and actions in the past few weeks. By: Dylan Low

Alongside Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Oprah Winfrey took to social media to announce their charity foundation called “People’s Fund of Maui”, aimed to help raise funds for local Maui residents affected by the wildfires.

Both Johnson and Oprah contributed $10 million to the fundraiser, requesting viewers for further donation help. However, this caused a negative sentiment amongst the people.

Controversy surrounding Oprah

Many people were unhappy with the fact these two wealthy celebrities were asking them for donations. According to Forbes, Winfrey has a $2.5 billion net worth with over 13 properties on Hawaiian Islands, while Johnson is valued up to $270 million. Online comments hence criticised their funding scheme.

"Math aren’t matching with this one. You guy's literally have so much money…. You can donate it and make it back within a year," A top comment wrote. 

"I support Maui and the cause. But why are you asking us common folk who live pay check to pay check. We struggle to put food on the table. Who helps us?" Another comment mentioned. 

Oprah responded on a “CBS mornings” interview, saying, “I was so excited about it, and then I got up the next morning, and I saw all of this vitriol, and I was, like, ‘Whoa, what happened here?’

“It made me sad that we are at this state in our country.”

She called the criticism “attacks, lies, conspiracy theories", stating it "really took the focus off of what was the most important thing, and that was the people of Maui."

Despite the backlash, Oprah has stood firm behind her fundraising idea. She says, “We’re going to create something and I still think it’s a really strong idea.”

Oprah’s recent plans

Outside of the Maui wildfires situation, Oprah has recently returned back into the spotlight, talking about her experience with weight stigma. She held a panel under her brand Oprah Daily, named “The Life You Want Class: The State of Weight”, discussing weight, dieting and public scrutiny. Joining her on the show were Obesity watchers Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford and Dr. Melanie Jay, psychologist Dr. Rachel Goldman and Sima Sistani, the CEO of WeightWatchers.

During the panel discussion, Oprah revealed, “You all know I’ve been on this journey for most of my life. My highest weight was 237 lbs. I don’t know if there is another public person whose weight struggle has been exploited as much as mine over the years.”

She also confessed her contemplation taking Ozempic, a FDA approved drug for type 2 diabetes known to suppress hunger. She queried, “Shouldn't we all just be more accepting of whatever body you choose to be in? That should be your choice.”

Oprah was recently seen at Kevin Costner’s ‘One805Live’ fundraiser, where she reunited with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry from their infamous interview two years ago. They encountered one another during the event and seemed to be on friendly terms, with Harry and Meghan standing up close with her. Prince Harry was also seen sharing a joke and a drink with Oprah, as he talked to her throughout the evening. 

There have also been rumours of Oprah and Meghan going “head-to-head" in the race for the caretaker position as Senator, following the passing of Senator Diane Feinstein.

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