Is Oprah feeding off the people with her dishonesty?
Talk show and media mogul Oprah Winfrey, typically happy to shill her brand of self-help advice to armies of "girlfriends" seeking her Svengali-like influence, has sought to quash rumors that she is an active lesbian by making a statement on the subject in the August edition of O, The Oprah Magazine.…
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— go to most recent comments76 - thalazy
It wouldn't surprise me if she was gay or bi-sexual. I think when you release a statement such as she did talking about there is not a word in our culture... I felt it as a sort of a cover-up without lying. It's very plausible that she could be gay or bi-sexual, since people who were molested can find themselves drawn toward the same sex and turned of by the opposite sex for what has been done to them. Steadman can be a beard or someone who is there to hide her sexuality. Being gay is something that can ruin a career such as her's and especially can be difficult for her in the black community where it's much more difficult to be gay (from what I have heard).
If she is or isn't it's no big deal, I think if she were to admit it she would still be envied and still have huge number's, because women are much more understanding and would be able to get past her sexuality. This blog I don't feel is all that bad and when you put it out there such as Oprah did, you should expect doubter's as well as cynics. Look at Nell Carter she was secretly dating a woman and the press didn't no about it until her unfortunate death. Being gay in the American Society is something that is looked down upon and people can be treated as if they are murderers. There is so many reason's not to come out and so many reason's stay in the closet. At least she's a kind hearted person and seems to have her head on straight so this little issue will most likely go away until rumor's of her getting married will circulate(of course with the heading "to prove she's straight").
77 - Orchid
It seems like the issue Dawn and others have here is not really with Oprah but with the fact that there are so many people who appear to "buy" everything Oprah has to sell when they have nothing but contempt for the product Oprah is marketing (namely, herself). The bottom line is that this is about judging others for what they choose to like and who they choose to listen to. Some people seem to have decided that attacking a large group of undefined individuals who watch a T.V. show or read a magazine is far less satisfying than attacking the source of the show and magazine. Life is too short to judge people on such inconsequential things and, in the end, you'll like yourself less for being so angry about something so unimportant.
You're mad that people love something you hate. This seems a pointless waste of energy. If you don't like how Oprah sells herself, don't buy what she offers. If you get hung up on trying to dissuade others from buying it, you're just in for a lot of frustration and wasted effort.
78 - Dawn
Orchid, it would be easy to ignore Oprah, something I have done for many years now, but when you have loved ones being taken advantage and made to feel inferior because they don't live up to Oprah's idea of what's chic and cool, then it becomes personal.
I don't like slippery snakes lulling people into feeling good or bad about themselves through false pretenses.
79 - Kim
There is an emotional component of homosexuality, as well as the sexual part of it. Many who prefer the company of the same sex are emotional homosexuals, but don't touch body parts. Priests and athletes come to mind, as well as career soldiers. Very hard to label closeness as one thing or another. I love Oprah and think of her as a great communicator. This is from going back to her early days when women wouldn't even watch her because her words "threatened" their men so much. You wouldn't see a guy in the audience and that was the mens' loss. Not so now and I rejoice for those men who have gotten positive things in their lives from dropping the racist, sexist thoughts and actions that kept them from listening to this woman for so long. The show, as well as Oprah herself, has evolved and helped the world of women AND men if you look at the big picture. I cringe too when a make over show (foo foo shows I call them) or other fluff subject is on Harpo's schedule. But I realize not everyone has my tastes. How arrogant that I would think so. Just after I mumble at the TV and turn it off that day, Harpo comes up with a great, meaningful show the next day. I suspect many in the media biz, including the starter of this "thread" are jealous of Oprah, the money, the power, and her many friends. Admit it, she is one awesome broad babies! Thank goodness her supporters outnumber the grumblers. Like any friend, you won't agree with all she says and does. Live with that huh? Be glad Oprah found her way to the communications biz. It was no accident and it serves a purpose in this universe that has only been good. I love her and am very proud of her.
80 - I Don't Get it!
Dawn, if you don't care about Oprah's sexuality, why on earth is t that all but TWO paragraghs talk about gays or sexuality.
81 - topcat
What are you up to Dawn. Sounds like Playa' Hatin' to me. Mine isn't good enough, big enough, shiny enough, so I'll hate on someone else. That way I can at least draw attention to my miserable life. That's what it sounds like to me.
82 - Dawn
True dat topcat, I'm just playa hatin.
83 - Ms. Pelly
Dawn, Comment# 78. Maybe rather then focusing on what Oprah is doing maybe you should help the people tht are so weak that they can be brought down by a television show, and if you care so much about peoples well being then why would you be mocking the way someone writes. You are a very dark person and maybe people need to stop reading everything you write, you never know we all may start to feel inferior and not at all good enough to be on the same blog as you.
84 - topcat
Really Dawn, you got to get a life. I guess you wouldn't be satisfied unless and until the Big O! drops down to using deeze and dats. I could understand you better if I could see where you might have some pecuniary gain with this madness, but you've just introduced some fake S*** to start some more s***. Stop this baffoonery and give us some real nasty cheese, my dear.
85 - Joanie
I meant to tell you the other day how much I loved this article, Dawn. As an Oprah hater, I don't get what it matters if she's a gay, crossdressing nun who's into watersports and sushi. People put way too much importance into what she says. I'm actually sort of surprised it's taken this long for such a rumor to surface. I would have thought she'd have jumped on this particular publicity generating stunt a few years ago. After all, she IS rather infamous for all her "oh, that totally happened to me, too" proclamations.
86 - Coco Coconut
Dawn, I might do a Ph.D in Oprahnology, too! It sounds groovy.
Well pals, I am just annoyed with all those bruhaha about "authentic self" cum "genuine person" yada yada yaada preached by Miss O.
Now I am feeling like a billionaire for having a normal life with normal relationship with normal person with a lot of normal people friends. It seems that being normal is so expensive ... that Miss O cannot afford it.
Coco
87 - Apotheosis
i like your picture :)
88 - Silas Kain
Gay, straight or pan-sexual, face it -- Oprah's one rich bitch. God bless her.
89 - Jet in Columbus
I wonder if Elton John can sue her for copywrite infrindgement on his act?
90 - Diane
Dawn I think you wrote this article just to get attention. To call Oprah disingenuous is unfair. Do you know her? Close friends are not all that rare. Get one for yourself,then you would have less time to write such vicious articles.
91 - Donna T
Good Googa Mooga People! Who the hell cares about Oprah or Howard Stern!!! And by the way Dawn--they both exploit people and their dilemmas and situations. Your trying to say that Oprah is "fake" and Howard Stern isn't is like the "pot calliing the kettle black." Girl--get a grip!!! Your tirade against Oprah also sort of shows me that you're just a silly ole bigoted white woman that can't stand to see successful black females exert the type of power and authority that Oprah's does. Get a grip--it's a new day baby---me thinks your "redneck" is showing!!!!
92 - Linda Kay
Once again the public slides by without having to accept responsibility. It is not Oprah's fault that the world (the good old USA in particular) is full of gullible people. Her claim to "wisdom" is not necessarily in education but experience. She has been through a lot and has come out on top, but I for one find her show full of pablum and not much meat; however, she was incredible in "The Color Purple". As far as her sexuality being none of anyone's business, she made it everyone's business when she published her statement. I think friendship is one of the great blessings in life and would have thought nothing of her's and Gayle's had she not put it out there for the world to read. All in all, there is entirely too much celebrity worship in America. Dr. Phil would not have succeeded had it not been for the "adoring" public. And giving away "stuff" is a sure-fire way to win friends and influence people in our culture. It seems everyone wants something for nothing.
93 - amanda
dawn you're awesome and i completely agree. oprah's got something of a cult following going on ... but i find her mostly cold and insincere. is she gay? who cares. not me. i don't think that was your point anyway. other than perhaps her fantastic taste in shoes, there is nothing of hers that i desire to have ... her "wisdom" and "insight" are mostly cliches ... i think she should just be honest about who she is. i don't think she ever has been. she owes her followers at least that much.
94 - Ms. Bee
I am not crazy about Oprah myself. I think she is very self centered, and rude to her guests(including Gayle).....always interrupting them. She is the mesiah, the almighty, and the know-it-all. However, Dawn should have focused on the real issue. The article should be titled "world according to Oprah", or "Dawn hates Oprah", or something like that. Half of the article talks about every other aspect of Oprah's life. Plus, no evidence of her being gay was cited in the article.
95 - Rubberneck
I think she munches carpet.
96 - Rubberneck
I think she eats @ the Y.
97 - Pokergirl
Oh she's not gay- that is the least of her problems. She is gullible and starstruck. How many houses does she have now? She better not talk to us about the environment until she is down to one condo at least! She believes everything any movie star says to her. I personally feel a little sorry for her- anyone with an ego big enough to think an entire store like Hermes needs to open up for her just because she drives by at closing, well, that speaks volumes. Do not crap on Oprah's cake!!!!!!! EVER.
98 - I agree...
I have been saying for sometime now how I no longer can stand Oprah and the way she puts people down these days. Yes, she does do some good in the world, like her Oprah for Africa project, whatever it is called, and trying to help people on occasion, but I think mostly she is just so full of herself these days. I used to enjoy her show years ago, but now it just makes me sick. She puts down people who don't fall into her ideal body types. So, she has lost weight (and gained it back again repeatedly) big deal, that is her issue, she doesn't have to put it on everyone else and put everyone down who isn't at their 'ideal' weight, just because she hated herself when she wasn't there.
Also, if she doesn't care if people are gay or not, then why did she call them "vile rumors" when she spoke of people calling her gay. If being gay was okay, why were the rumors considered vile, and just not false? False, would have been a better word, vile sounds like there is something wrong with being gay, which to me sounds like she is being hypocritical and homophobic.
I lost respect for Oprah quite sometime ago. I wish she would come back down to reality and remember where she came from and how she felt when she was one of us 'little people'.
Another thing I can't stand about Oprah is how she always toots her own horn. The fund she started for Africa has her name on it, why? My thoughts were for self-promotion at first, then maybe that people might be more apt to donate to it as well if it had her name on it, but I think if it didn't have her name on it, people who cared about the cause would still donate to it.
Showing us about all these luxury parties she attends on her show, what is the purpose of that? Do people really enjoy those shows or is she shoving her wealth in the face of those who can't even dream to that extreme?
Her favorite things??? Were they her favorite things when she was poor? What were her favorite things when she first started out?? I remember watching that show one time and seeing the pants she listed, then looking them up on the internet and seeing they cost over a hundred dollars and thinking, lol, how many pairs of pants could I get for that price? Probably about 3 to 5 pairs at Walmart, lol.
Okay, I could go on and on about things I no longer respect about Oprah, but I'm sure those of you who love her are already writing your blogs bashing me now.
What I'd really like to see is her redeem herself, rather than continue down the road of self-promotion and sticking her issues of weight down everyone's throat, not everyone can afford a personal chef and trainer, instead of showing us what you have, try sharing what you have with your fellow Americans.
Dawn, I was glad to see in writing what I've been saying for a while now. Thanks.
99 - San
Hasn't anyone ever had a boss (or a family member) like Oprah: powerful and rich. You do as you are told in order to keep your job. You listen to their stupid jokes, unsolicited advice and accept their crappy gifts at Xmas to get along. When you hear rumors about them, you reply, "Really? I didn't know." You don't fuel the flames, act surprised, confirm or deny because you need the $ and have a family to feed -- just bide your time until you can do better. Ophah is a machine selling an "O" product. You can either buy it or ignore it. It's best to open our eyes, see through the hype and find some joy in your own little world. Dawn writes what the media doesn't say out loud because they are afraid of the wrath of "O." Glad Dawn is not.
100 - San
By the way, I'll buy her magazine when someone else's pic is on the cover.
101 - Ms. Pelly
Why are peolple so jealous? Oprah has made everything on her ownand she is proud of that and so would you if you were in her shoes.
If people don't like Oprah don't buy her magazine or watch her show, if it is so true that so many people don't like her then why do people write as though they have known her all her life.
Oprah is catering to rich white female audience and like any person in the media they cater to who ever makes them the most money.
102 - MillionDollar A. Word
Dawn's comments are less an informed opinion and more about petty spitefulness. The very reasons she lists as proof of Oprah's "lack of discipline" and/or "dysfunction" are in fact, indications of Oprah's genuine heart. She is human. Plain and simple. An extraordinary human being, certainly.
Dawn hates herself. She is unable to accept others for that reason. When you are comfortable with yourself and your failings, you have no reason to criicize someone who has not hurt you.
Take a tip, Dawn. Take a good, long look at the mirror; the hate you feel for Oprah? Its origin is there.
There is a saying which goes like this: out of the mouth speaks the heart. What you say, (or write) tells more about you. Discerning people can see this.
103 - Claudia
Dawn, maybe your intentions were different but your article sounds like it's full of a blind and entirely subjective hatred for another human being (which is just asinine as blind obsession on the other end of the spectrum). A more objective and level-headed criticism would be far more convincing to those deluded Oprah-worshippers! Whether Oprah's full of crap or not, the woman's been deceiving and/or inspiring so many people for all these years after a past like that! - now that's brilliant!
If everyone just thought like this there'd be no wars.
104 - Juanita Jones
Oprah Winfrey Proclaims She's Not Gay
Who cares? Most people who really aren't gay would ignore such rumors, secure in their knowledge of the truth,"getting real" what in you closet?
105 - Nikki
Maybe Oprah feels that if she doesn't say anything people will get worse,and I'm sure Oprah would tell us if she was gay. I mean look at Rosie and Ellen,their careers weren't affected by anything,so what should Oprah be worried about. When she's ready(if she is gay)she'll tell us. I mean...can you imagine them 2 getting it on...sorry,but I can't,and if I can't,then they're not gay. Oprah's a pimp,she can get whoever she wants. I just think Stedman is a golddigger. Okay I'm gonna stop before Oprah sends one of her lifeless minions to get me. But Oprah isn't gay...Oprah Winfrey for 08!
106 - Nikki
Self-centered? Maybe,I would be too. Queen of all media,multi-billionaire,ruler of the universe...nothing to be ashamed about is there? I'm sure you guys would be the sameway if you were her. You guys are just pointing out the bad things,look at what else she is doing. Building homes for Katrina Victims,has her own charity,building a school in Africa,Inspiring millions of women(and some men),all over the world,hmm...yah she really sucks @ss. So what if she wants to treat herself to a couple of houses,and cars,it's what filthy rich celebrities do!!!
107 - divya
Gosh, I am always surprised at how mean spirited people can be. What's wrong with Oprah? At least she is trying to be a good person. She's only human. Cut her some slack. I never watch her show because it's not my taste,but I like her spirit. It's not easy to get out of poverty and oppression and disadvantage and she's done it. Her story is inspiring. What were African- American women doing 200 years ago? Her success is a miracle a wonderful story of triump over adversity. I don't understand the need to nit pick and dissect her. As you go through life keep your eye on the bagel not on the hole: Life is like a bagel. Does it matter that Oprah has holes?We all have holes.If you have to complain why not complain against Governments that spend billions on weapons to wage war agaisnt innoscent poor women and children. Oprahs not investing in nuclear war,germ war,chemical war,so many evil things rich people could do,shes not doing. If you had the salary she has I think it would be normal to be self-centered etc.,I think she behaves like no other rich person; she does try to connect with people and stay grounded.Name one super rich who behaves better? Most super rich behave sooo snooty. We loved Princes Diana because she tried to stay connected to herself and the people.It's got to be tough to deal with so much.Most of us can't imagine working as much as I imagine she works yet she still manages to hold onto values stay sane and care. Most super rich pollute themselves and become degraded shes not doing that. She is trying to set a good example. She deserves respect.
108 - DonPato
Oprah really trys to do good thinks with her popularity. I think the woman is great and NO she does not have to be gay in my book to be great!
DonPato
109 - sherwin
where can you get the one who publish the book?
110 - i
I don't care what you say i don't believe oprah is gay
111 - Image
I am a guy and I like to watch Oprah. I have learned many things from her show, but she has become more focused on herself lately, she does take over conversations, and she shows us these huge weddings and parties and tells us to do them on a smaller scale, lol. But I say you only see in others what's in yourself. All of us in some way have Oprah's traits but without the money for them to be highlighted. I like Howard Stern too, though he's an idiot and uses people just like Oprah. I like them both and take from them who they are and what I don't want I ignore it. I know that my world is not their world, but I can learn something or laugh at something and turn the TV off if its annoying. The article points out good things, but it also points to us as a nation and a people and how far we all have to go to see a better society. Thanks Dawn! Dawn's pic is kinda cute, lol.
112 - LIZ
I wish Oprah was gay, for a 50 something year old woman she is hot. I'm 19 and I'd tap that, and Gayle too. That woman looks good.
113 - E-M-A
Not to sound nasty but if I had the chance I WOULD DEFINATELY BANG OPRAH. Cuz she's looking very tempting WOW.
114 - Leanne
I suck those big ole Oprah tits anytime while my girlfriend made her juices flow. Then we'd switch places. I'd be Oprah's Ho anytime.
115 - AmishRobots
i don't care if oprah winfrey is gay or not; why should it matter? I just want to see her boobs!
116 - tasha thomas
Oprah is self absorbed, a self appointed important person and thanks only herself for her success, what about the fans? What about Chicago and the support she's been given.
117 - Leonor Lozada
How can I get in touch with Gail
118 - fcuk
Oprah is not disingenuous, arrogant, self-centered, or a raging hypocrite. I dont even get why or how you could say such things. She invites tons of people to her show to talk to them, showcase their talents and such. She gives away so much stuff its not even funny. Shes helping people with AIDS in africa, the people in new orleans who suffered from the hurricane, shes building schools in south africa, shes getting child predators off the streets. I know a lot of self centered people and lady, that doesnt sound like one to me. and how is she even a hypocrite!? I think you should be ashamed of your self for even writing this ridiculous article and quite frankly I think YOU'RE full of crap!
p.s. too all the lesbians and bis and guys, please stop saying such disgusting sexual comments about Oprah. Shes Oprah for gods sake!
119 - Not your average bear
After reading Dawn's article and about 50 comments... I have reached several conclusions of my own. That 80% of you are full of shit!
A person in the spotlight, that provides open dialogue can and does reveal their character. You don't have to "hang out" to know them!
Case in point, how many of you retards have had your Congress members over for tea and crumpets? None to a few I suspect, yet you blindly vote for them! So yes, you DON'T KNOW THEM EITHER!!!
The TRUTH? Journalist have stopped telling the truth decades ago... it is all about newspaper and mag sells... the whole truth is not important, sounds creative liberty with editing power... just sprinkle in the truth. Some of you self-righteous bullshitters wouldn't know the f'n truth if it bit you in the ASS!
Dawn wrote from her thoughts and feelings, REGARDLESS if anyone agrees with her style or not. You don't have to read it and you didn't have to comment either! You did it because it's your right, just LIKE HERS!
No, I never liked Oprah - something smells like shit when it comes to some of her advice, thoughts, interviews and words she chooses to share. I don't care if she is at home humping cows! But when she chooses to provide "entertainment" (what a crock of shit that comment was) she became part of the public domain!
Deal with it people!
Oh and that dumbass that said "I hope she sues you over your blog!" you need to switch to DECAFF, BACK OFF THE SUGAR AND GET A REAL LIFE!
120 - Tony
Does Oprah have a boyfriend now? Where is Stedman?
121 - carioquinha
Since your comment about Oprah was so ridiculous and a lot of these comments about your comment are also ridiculous, I feel the need to make a ridiculous comment here too: YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A RACIST, who like Hittler, is dying inside for seeing a single, much older black woman being so much more powerful than you and your entire family will ever be!!!!
Thank God, you don't have the power of speech like that ass-whole had, so, nobody here is going to start the 3rd WW because of your hatred towards Oprah!..
Get a life! Grow up! You are a fan of one of the most disgusting human beings like Howard Stern(whom has nothing of humane in him, I shall add!)! He has constantly denegrated women in his shows and for you (a woman) to say you hate Oprah and you love this guy, that my friend, says a lot about your character!
You hate your-self and that is the only reason why you'd be hating on someone like Oprah. She gives support to women and is not afraid of her feminine power. You, in other hand, waste your time talking shit about someone who could well be helping you in your future!.. Think about that, hater!..
122 - Danielle
Dawn, you are so jealous and hateful? There is nothing Oprah has done to deserve such ridiculous comments. She has given millions upon millions away to those in need. Thats not enough for you? What have you done to better those around you? I'd like to see a list of your charitable contributions. When most wealthy people hoard all there millions and billions to themselves you are hating on the one (of few) who care enough to give theres away! Many women out there do need someone to tell them its OK to be strong. If you don't then don't watch the show. Its that simple. But don't put down those who appreciate what she has to say.
123 - Lisa
Oprah who uplifts or Stern who dehumanizes women! you all choose Stern, Stay true to the trailer part way.
124 - Lisa
Do you hate Gandhi too?! .. funny no white people ever did anything good enough to follow, just death and destruction on a global scale. Good thing there are more minorities in the world. Hitler!! Yes Hitler and Stern good people.
125 - LolaQ
You hate someone who has built with her own money a school in South Africa for hundreds of kids who lived in utter poverty. And will be building schools throughout Africa Asia and the Middle East. And you hate that same someone who created a Angel network that has built over 60 SCHOOLS worldwide. Oh yeah shes a horrible woman. And what has Howard stern done? a Jewish racist, who degrades woman?