Oprah Winfrey has firmly rejected recent claims that she was paid $1 million to host a town hall event for Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. Speaking out on the matter for the first time, Winfrey dismissed the reports as “not true,” clarifying that she was never paid any personal fee for her involvement in the event.
In a brief interaction with a reporter on Monday, Winfrey stated, “Not true – I was paid nothing, ever,” when asked about the rumors of a $1 million payment. The TV mogul appeared visibly frustrated by the question, quickly shutting down the allegations while also opting not to comment further on the specifics of the election or her involvement.
The controversy stemmed from a report claiming that Winfrey’s media company, *Harpo Productions*, had received a significant payment from Harris’s campaign for hosting a star-studded live town hall in October. The event featured celebrity participants such as Meryl Streep, Bryan Cranston, Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, Julia Roberts, and Tracee Ellis Ross, who appeared via Zoom to offer their support for Harris. The town hall was aimed at promoting Harris’s campaign and rallying high-profile public figures to bolster her political momentum.
While Harpo Productions confirmed that the campaign did cover the costs associated with organizing and hosting the event, the company did not provide any specific details on the sum involved. The clarification, however, did not address the subsequent claims that Winfrey herself had personally received a payment.
Following the initial report, several outlets speculated that Winfrey had personally benefited from the event, a claim she quickly refuted. In her statement, she reiterated that there was no personal payment involved, further distancing herself from any financial gain tied to the event. Winfrey’s swift response underscores her frustration with the misinformation surrounding her involvement in the campaign event.
The town hall was part of a broader effort to engage celebrity influencers in supporting Harris’s presidential bid. The event was well-attended by prominent figures in the entertainment industry, showcasing the high-profile nature of the campaign’s outreach efforts. However, Winfrey’s recent comments highlight her desire to set the record straight regarding the nature of her involvement and to clear up any confusion about financial compensation.
As the presidential race continues to unfold, Winfrey’s endorsement of Kamala Harris remains a notable moment in the campaign, though it appears the TV icon will continue to steer clear of speculation about personal payments or political endorsements.
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