Oprah Winfrey, widely known as a media mogul, philanthropist, and advocate for women’s rights, has built an image as one of the most influential and beloved public figures in modern history. However, recent controversies surrounding her past associations and actions have cast a shadow over her reputation. From her relationship with convicted Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein to the scandal surrounding her school in South Africa, Oprah is now facing growing criticism from various public figures and sections of society.

One of the most notable accusations has come from actress Rose McGowan, a key figure in the #MeToo movement, who called out Oprah on social media. McGowan accused Oprah of hypocrisy, claiming that despite her advocacy for women’s rights, Oprah has long been associated with controversial men, including Harvey Weinstein. Weinstein, a former film producer, became a symbol of the abuses of power in Hollywood when numerous women came forward with allegations of sexual harassment and assault against him. Oprah, seen frequently alongside Weinstein at public events over the years, is now facing questions about her support for the disgraced mogul.

According to reports, Oprah and Weinstein had a close professional relationship, which led to speculation that Oprah may have turned a blind eye to his predatory behavior. A disturbing claim was made by aspiring actress Brittan Sadian Noble, who alleged that Weinstein used his relationship with Oprah to groom her. While Oprah has consistently denied any involvement in Weinstein’s crimes, the allegations continue to raise doubts about her judgment and her role in Hollywood’s culture of silence around abuse.

In addition to the Weinstein scandal, Oprah’s past is also being scrutinized for other controversies. One of the most troubling incidents relates to her leadership of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. The school, which was opened in 2007 with the aim of providing educational opportunities to underprivileged girls, quickly became the center of a scandal when a school matron, Virginia Tiny Makopo, was accused of sexually molesting several students. Oprah, herself a survivor of sexual abuse, was visibly shaken by the allegations and flew to South Africa to address the situation personally, apologizing to the students and their families.

Despite her public apology and efforts to make amends, the scandal took a darker turn when Makopo was acquitted of all charges. The acquittal left many questioning the true nature of what had transpired at the academy and whether Oprah’s influence had played a role in the legal proceedings. For critics, this incident raised concerns about Oprah’s ability to manage the high-profile institutions and projects she often endorses.

Another controversy that has come back to haunt Oprah is her connection with the Brazilian medium João Teixeira de Faria, also known as “John of God.” Faria gained worldwide recognition after appearing on Oprah’s show, where he was portrayed as a healer with miraculous abilities. However, in a shocking revelation, Faria was later accused of running a “baby farm” and sexually abusing hundreds of women. Although Oprah had no direct involvement in Faria’s crimes, her promotion of him on her platform undoubtedly played a role in boosting his global profile, leading many to question her due diligence when associating with controversial figures.

Amid these swirling controversies, another high-profile individual has taken aim at Oprah: comedian and actress Mo’Nique. Their public feud dates back to 2009, when Mo’Nique starred in the critically acclaimed film Precious, produced by Oprah and directed by Lee Daniels. Despite the film’s success, Mo’Nique claims that Oprah and other Hollywood insiders blackballed her after she refused to promote the film without additional compensation. In recent interviews, Mo’Nique has reiterated her accusations, accusing Oprah of failing to support her and playing a role in damaging her career.

Despite the mounting allegations, Oprah has remained relatively silent on the issues, leading many to question her commitment to accountability. Public perception of Oprah has shifted over the years, with increasing numbers of people expressing skepticism about her motives and the authenticity of her public persona. Some fans and commentators have suggested that Oprah’s carefully crafted image as a philanthropist and advocate for justice may have been a façade all along, with her true interests lying in maintaining her influence and power.

As the controversies surrounding Oprah continue to unfold, public sentiment appears to be divided. On one hand, there are those who still see her as a trailblazing figure who has used her platform for good. On the other hand, there is a growing chorus of voices demanding that she be held accountable for her past associations and the harm they may have caused.

One thing is clear: Oprah Winfrey, once seemingly untouchable, is now facing an unprecedented level of scrutiny. Whether she can weather the storm of criticism and emerge with her legacy intact remains to be seen. For now, her critics—including high-profile figures like Rose McGowan and Mo’Nique—are determined to expose what they see as the darker side of one of America’s most iconic public figures.

As more details emerge, only time will tell if Oprah can maintain her status as a beloved media mogul or if these controversies will permanently tarnish her reputation. For now, the public remains divided, watching closely as new revelations about her past continue to surface.