Recently, Oprah Winfrey’s reputation has come under intense scrutiny as several celebrities have publicly criticized her for various perceived missteps and unkind behavior. The backlash includes notable figures like Cindy Crawford and Tony Braxton, who have shared their negative experiences with Oprah, revealing a side of her that many had not seen before.

The recent wave of criticism began with Tony Braxton, who revisited her infamous 1998 interview with Oprah. During this interview, Braxton, who was grappling with bankruptcy at the time, expected a compassionate platform to discuss her financial woes. Instead, Oprah’s questioning became a point of contention. Oprah’s relentless interrogation seemed to mock Braxton’s situation, focusing on whether Braxton had Gucci flatware and asking if there would be a public auction for her belongings. This line of questioning was perceived as humiliating and insensitive, making Braxton feel belittled and criticized.

Braxton’s comments reflect a deep sense of betrayal. She recounted how Oprah’s questions made her feel “this big” and left her in shock. The incident not only impacted Braxton’s self-esteem but also adversely affected her public image. She felt that Oprah’s approach contributed to a narrative that painted her as financially irresponsible, further complicating her already challenging situation. For Braxton, the experience was a far cry from the supportive and uplifting platform she had hoped for.

Supermodel Cindy Crawford has also spoken out against Oprah, recalling an episode from 1986 when Oprah asked Crawford to stand up and show her body to the audience. Crawford described this moment as deeply humiliating, likening it to being treated as a “child” who should be seen but not heard. She noted that it took years for her to recognize the inappropriateness of the situation, particularly given Oprah’s stature as a media personality who should have been more respectful.

These revelations are particularly striking when considering Oprah’s reputation as a compassionate humanitarian. Her recent donation pledge for Maui has been met with skepticism, with some accusing her of profiting from others’ suffering rather than genuinely helping. This has led fans and critics alike to question whether Oprah’s humanitarian efforts are more about self-promotion than actual altruism.

The situation is compounded by previous controversies involving Oprah. Her handling of Michael Jackson’s 1993 interview, which was meant to clear Jackson’s name but ended up exacerbating his public image issues, remains a significant point of contention. After Jackson’s death, Oprah’s decision to highlight accusations against him in a special with his alleged victims, despite previous legal clearances, further tarnished her reputation.

Similarly, Oprah’s handling of the Kobe Bryant situation through an interview with Lisa Leslie, which some viewed as an opportunistic exploitation of Bryant’s death, has drawn criticism. This incident, coupled with her friend Gail King’s controversial interview questions about Bryant’s past, has fueled the perception that Oprah and her associates have a tendency to exploit tragic events for media attention.

Moreover, Oprah’s past actions against individuals like Mo’Nique, who accused Oprah and Tyler Perry of blackballing her, add to the narrative that Oprah’s approach to personal and professional conflicts can be manipulative or self-serving. Mo’Nique’s allegations, combined with Oprah’s public airing of Mo’Nique’s family issues, illustrate a pattern of behavior that some view as opportunistic and exploitative.

In light of these criticisms, some celebrities, including Bill Burr, have publicly denounced Oprah, questioning her moral high ground and highlighting what they see as hypocrisy in her career. Burr’s critique of Oprah’s reaction to Lance Armstrong’s doping scandal, juxtaposed with her own controversial actions, adds another layer to the debate over Oprah’s integrity and authenticity.

In conclusion, Oprah Winfrey’s recent controversies, along with past incidents, have led many to reassess her public persona. The criticisms from celebrities like Tony Braxton and Cindy Crawford, combined with ongoing debates about her humanitarian efforts, suggest that Oprah’s reputation as a benevolent and empathetic figure is increasingly under scrutiny. Whether or not her image can recover remains uncertain, but it is clear that Oprah faces significant challenges in reconciling her public persona with the criticisms leveled against her.