The bright lights of Hollywood distract consumers from the ugliness that hides within.
Oprah Winfrey is no stranger to this darkness, as she always seems to be caught at the scene of the crime.
Winfrey’s name has been interlaced with numerous criminals. Such as Harvey Weinstein, Sean “Diddy” Combs and Jeffrey Epstein.
Weinstein was a close friend of Winfrey’s for years, and he used this friendship to gain the trust of his victims. Actress Kadian Noble claimed that Weinstein used Winfrey “swinging off his arm” to dupe her into going back with him to his hotel room, according to Entertainment Weekly.
However, once Weinstein’s crimes became public knowledge, Winfrey distanced herself from the situation without directly addressing her relationship with him.
“If we make this just about Harvey Weinstein, then we will have lost this moment,” Winfrey told CBS News.
This statement was an attempt to shift the focus from Weinstein’s crimes and victim stories to a bigger picture. Winfrey was desperate to paint herself as a hero once again. However, this time, not everyone was convinced.
Winfrey’s former friend, Seal, took to Instagram to call her out for suspicious behavior.
“You have been part of the problem for decades, but suddenly they all think you are the solution,” Seal said. “Oh I forgot, that’s right … you’d heard the rumors, but you had no idea he was actually serially assaulting young starry-eyed actresses … my bad.”
The post was accompanied with a photo of Winfrey kissing Weinstein on the cheek.
Weinstein is only the first of many abusers tied to Winfrey’s brand. She has also attended Diddy’s infamous parties and is featured five times in the files from the Epstein trial.
Another issue that follows Winfrey wherever she goes is the controversy of her school in South Africa — The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.
This school was built as a safe haven for disadvantaged girls in grades eight through 12, however, it has proven to be anything but that.
Multiple students accused dormitory matron, Virginia Makopo, of abuse and assault. She was arrested in November 2007 and released on bail according to Reuters. CBC claims that Makopo faced 14 charges involving indecent acts with the underage students.
Following this trial, Winfrey was sued by the headmistress of the South African girls’ school, Lerato Nomvuyo Mzamane, for defamation. Mzamane alleged that Winfrey defamed her by implying she was covering up the abuse going on at the school. However, this case was later settled outside of court before the arranged trial according to CNN.
However, the controversy of Winfrey’s South African school does not end there. Speculation of numerous missing girls from the academy spread like wildfire across social media. However, the validity of these statements has not been confirmed or denied.
Winfrey and her team have remained silent on the matter, and it seems that any articles raising concern over this situation are scrubbed from the internet.
A fair share of scandals have been attached to Winfrey recently, yet media coverage criticizing her for all these instances somehow always disappears.
Winfrey’s name is constantly tied to trafficking, whether it is due to her relationships or the instances at The Oprah Winfrey Academy for Girls. Still, the only sources talking about this are concerned consumers on social media and small newspapers.
No major outlets have discussed Winfrey’s suspicious behavior, instead they continue to praise her. Winfrey has yet to deny any allegations.
Selective media coverage plays a large role in maintaining the image of high-profile celebrities such as Winfrey. Power is used as a scare tactic to prevent reporters from bringing controversial topics to light.
Leilani • Oct 5, 2024 at 9:17 pm
She just tweeted this month dismissing rumors as gossip and claiming not guilty because she hasn’t been “raised or arrested” and taking a break from society.
Curtis Bolton • Oct 3, 2024 at 3:18 pm
This is absolutely crazy. What’s wrong with America?
Vollena • Oct 3, 2024 at 9:56 pm
I agree. Can’t trust anyone anymore.