Oprah Winfrey denies $1-million payment for endorsing Kamala Harris’ campaign

Oluwatosin Racheal Alabi -

Key Points

  • Oprah Winfrey firmly denied receiving $1 million to support Kamala Harris' campaign, clarifying she was unpaid for her involvement.
  • The event Oprah hosted featured stars like Meryl Streep and Chris Rock, aiming to boost Harris' support in critical swing states.
  • Known for endorsing Democratic candidates, Oprah emphasized her support was based on personal beliefs, not financial incentives.

Oprah Winfrey, the iconic talk show host and media mogul, has firmly denied rumors claiming she was paid $1 million to host a town hall event for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. The report, originally published by the Washington Examiner, alleged that Harpo Productions, Winfrey’s production company, received substantial payment for organizing the virtual event in September, which aimed to boost Harris' campaign with celebrity support. In response, Winfrey stated, “It’s not true. I was paid nothing — ever.”

Known for her strong support of Democratic candidates, including Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Hillary Clinton, Winfrey emphasized that her participation in Harris' campaign was purely voluntary, without any financial motive. She clarified that neither she nor her company received any compensation for her involvement in the event.

Celebrity support at Harris’ campaign event

The virtual town hall aimed to rally support for Harris and featured appearances from A-list celebrities, including Meryl Streep, Bryan Cranston, Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, Julia Roberts, and Tracee Ellis Ross. Winfrey not only hosted but also served as a keynote speaker at Harris’ rally in Philadelphia. This high-profile support demonstrated Harris' widespread appeal within the entertainment industry and was a strategic effort to influence swing state voters.

Despite strong backing from Winfrey and other prominent figures, Harris was ultimately unable to secure a victory. In last week's election, Donald Trump won with 312 electoral votes, securing his return to the White House. While Winfrey’s endorsement may not have changed the outcome, it aligns with her history of supporting Democratic candidates based on principle, not financial incentives.

By dispelling these payment rumors, Winfrey highlights her genuine commitment to candidates she believes in, affirming that her influence is driven by personal values, not for sale. Her denial clarifies her role as a volunteer advocate, dedicated to supporting Democratic causes out of conviction.