Howard Stern, the iconic radio host known for his brash commentary, recently turned his attention to Oprah Winfrey, criticizing her for flaunting her wealth on social media. During an episode of his SiriusXM show, Stern expressed discomfort with Oprah’s ostentatious displays of her lavish lifestyle, particularly in a time when many people are struggling financially. He remarked on how her social media posts often feature her sprawling estates, lush gardens, and the staff who maintain her luxurious lifestyle. Stern’s critique was not limited to her wealth but extended to how she treats her employees, suggesting that her behavior reflects a lack of self-awareness.
Stern’s comments ignited a heated debate, with some fans of Oprah defending her against what they saw as an unfair attack. Stern’s co-host, Robin Quivers, pushed back against his remarks, arguing that Oprah was simply offering a glimpse into her life rather than boasting about her wealth. However, Stern maintained his stance, emphasizing the need for celebrities like Oprah to be more mindful of the economic hardships faced by many people. He noted that, despite his own considerable wealth, he finds it difficult to watch Oprah’s displays of opulence, particularly when contrasted with the struggles of everyday people, including some who work for her.
The backlash to Stern’s comments was swift, with many taking to social media to criticize him for singling out Oprah. Critics pointed out that Stern has yet to direct similar criticism towards wealthy white men who engage in similar or worse behavior. For instance, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who famously built a spaceship and traveled to space, was not mentioned by Stern, leading some to question whether his criticism was truly about wealth flaunting or something more personal against Oprah. Comedian Dulce Sloan highlighted this double standard on Twitter, questioning whether Stern’s outrage was selective and pointing out the vast wealth Stern himself possesses.
Stern’s critics also noted that he seemed to overlook Oprah’s extensive charitable work and donations when he criticized her. Oprah has long been involved in philanthropy, from her Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa to her numerous contributions to various causes. Some argued that her social media posts, far from being a display of vanity, often highlight these efforts and the positive impact she seeks to make in the world. This led to further questions about Stern’s motivations, with some suggesting that his criticism might stem from a deeper resentment or misunderstanding of Oprah’s role as both a media mogul and a philanthropist.
This was not the first time Stern had publicly criticized Oprah. In early 2022, he slammed her for hosting dinner parties at her estate during a surge in COVID-19 cases. Stern expressed disbelief that Oprah would continue to host such gatherings, given the risks associated with the pandemic. He even mocked her for what he perceived as a lack of concern for public health, despite Oprah’s claims that she had taken all necessary precautions to keep her guests safe. This incident further fueled the perception that Stern harbors a personal grudge against Oprah, a sentiment echoed by some of his critics.
Compounding the controversy surrounding Oprah, Stern’s comments came at a time when she was also facing scrutiny over her past associations, particularly with the Brazilian faith healer John of God. Once lauded as a spiritual leader, John of God was sentenced to nearly 100 years in prison for sexual crimes, including the rape of vulnerable women. Oprah had previously interviewed him on her show, which some saw as an endorsement of his work. In the wake of his conviction, questions arose about Oprah’s judgment and whether she had turned a blind eye to his misconduct.
Stern’s critique of Oprah, therefore, taps into a broader narrative of skepticism and scrutiny that has surrounded her in recent years. While some see Oprah as a beacon of success and philanthropy, others, like Stern, question whether her public persona masks more troubling aspects of her wealth and influence. The ongoing debate reflects the complex and often contradictory ways in which society views wealth, power, and responsibility, particularly when it comes to figures as prominent as Oprah Winfrey.
