Oprah Sets the Record Straight
Oprah Winfrey has publicly refuted claims that she received $1 million to host a town hall for Vice President Kamala Harris. In a social media statement, Winfrey labeled the allegations as “not true” and clarified that her production company, Harpo Productions, was compensated for production costs, but she personally did not receive any payment.
Origin of the Rumors
The speculation began with a report from the Washington Examiner, which claimed that Harris’ campaign had paid Harpo Productions $1 million for hosting the “United for America” virtual town hall in September. This event aimed to garner support for Harris, featuring Oprah moderating discussions on key issues such as abortion rights and immigration.
Winfrey’s Clear Denial
In response to the rumors, Winfrey firmly stated, “I was paid nothing — ever,” during an interview with TMZ. She emphasized that her involvement was purely voluntary, stating, “My time and energy was my way of supporting the campaign.”
Details of the Production Costs
Winfrey elaborated on Instagram, explaining that while Harpo Productions was responsible for the event’s production elements—such as set design, lighting, and crew—she did not accept any personal fee. “I did not take any personal fee,” she reiterated, noting that the production team needed to be compensated for their work.
Confirmation from Harpo Productions
Harpo Productions confirmed to Variety that while the Harris campaign covered the production expenses, Oprah herself did not receive any personal compensation. The campaign’s payment for production costs was acknowledged, although specific figures were not disclosed.
The Town Hall Event
The “United for America” event took place on September 19, where Oprah interviewed Kamala Harris about pressing national issues. The town hall also featured appearances by celebrities like Meryl Streep and Chris Rock, as part of Harris’ efforts to engage voters leading up to the election.
Oprah’s Continued Support for Harris
Winfrey has been a longstanding supporter of Democratic candidates, including Kamala Harris. She appeared alongside Harris at her final rally in Philadelphia, delivering a message of hope and urging voters to prioritize “values and integrity” over divisive politics.
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