Oprah Winfrey, a media mogul often revered for her philanthropy and influence, has found herself in the midst of a firestorm of accusations linking her to controversial Hollywood figures like Harvey Weinstein, Jeffrey Epstein and “John of God” (João Teixeira de Faria), a spiritual healer later convicted of abuse. As the allegations resurface due to recent scandals involving high-profile figures like Diddy, Oprah’s past ties to these individuals are once again under the public microscope. Critics and celebrities alike are raising questions about her connections to some of Hollywood’s most troubling figures, challenging her image as a benevolent powerhouse.
A leading figure in American media, Oprah Winfrey has long championed social causes, but her relationships with certain individuals have raised suspicions. Recently, entertainer Jaguar Wright claimed that Winfrey was leaving the country because of the perceived risk of her alleged involvement in a hidden network of influential figures being exposed. Jaguar’s comments come after Diddy’s recent arrest, which she said was just the “beginning” of a wider investigation into Hollywood’s underworld.
These comments echo previous criticisms. In 2017, when allegations against producer Harvey Weinstein surfaced, many questioned Winfrey’s relationship with him. Known for their public friendship, Winfrey and Weinstein have worked on several projects together, with Winfrey often praising him. Despite her claim that she was unaware of his misdeeds, her critics point to her strong ᴀssociation with Weinstein as indicative of a troubling double standard. For example, actress Rose McGowan, a Weinstein accuser, publicly called Winfrey out, saying she was “supporting an unhealthy power structure” for her own personal gain. Similarly, musician Seal has criticized Winfrey’s friendship with Weinstein, suggesting that she has long been part of Hollywood’s problematic circle of “moralizers.”
As accusations mounted against other figures, Winfrey’s connection to spiritual healer “John of God” also drew widespread attention. Known for his healing practices in Brazil, he was convicted of ᴀssaulting hundreds of women. Winfrey had previously supported John’s work on her show and even traveled to Brazil to interview him, discussing the life-changing experience of their meeting. When the allegations surfaced, Winfrey removed the interview from her website and expressed hope that justice would be served. Still, critics say her support for these figures seems at odds with her reputation for compᴀssion and advocacy for women’s rights.
The situation escalated when rumors suggested that Oprah Winfrey was involved in Epstein’s alleged exploitation ring. While Oprah Winfrey vehemently denied the allegations, many wondered how much she knew the disgraced financier. In a similar vein, Oprah Winfrey’s South African girls’ school came under fire when an employee was accused of misconduct, although Oprah Winfrey herself was not involved in the incident.
Several celebrities, including rapper 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg, have continued to challenge Oprah Winfrey’s perceived bias. After her public condemnation of Michael Jackson following the controversial documentary Leaving Neverland , Snoop Dogg lambasted her for not giving Weinstein the same attention. He also criticized her for apparently turning a blind eye to friends involved in serious accusations, suggesting that her loyalty seemed selective.
While Oprah Winfrey has faced these controversies and criticism head on, maintaining her innocence, many believe the mounting allegations against her ᴀssociates have cast a shadow over her legacy. Her story is a reminder that even figures celebrated for their philanthropy can face scrutiny in today’s era of accountability.
