Celebrities Who Warned Us About Oprah: A Closer Look

Oprah Winfrey, the media mogul, philanthropist, and former talk show host, is often hailed as one of the most influential women in the world. Her career spans decades, and her ability to connect with audiences has made her a household name. However, not all stars are fond of her influence, and over the years, a few high-profile figures have openly expressed concerns or issued warnings about her.

Here’s a closer look at celebrities who have warned the public about Oprah or criticized her approach to fame, influence, and her role in shaping public opinion.

1. Tom Cruise

One of the most famous publicized warnings about Oprah came from actor Tom Cruise. In 2005, during a highly publicized interview on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Cruise jumped on the couch and displayed an exuberant outburst of affection for his then-girlfriend, Katie Holmes. This moment, which many people considered bizarre and over-the-top, marked a turning point in the public’s perception of Oprah. Cruise later expressed regret over how his relationship with Oprah was portrayed, feeling that she had contributed to the public’s invasive curiosity about his private life. Some speculate that Cruise became more cautious about how the media and Oprah in particular, shaped narratives about him.

2. Barbara Walters

Legendary broadcaster Barbara Walters, known for her candid interviews and her long-standing career in television journalism, had an ongoing professional rivalry with Oprah. Walters famously warned Oprah to be wary of her growing power, noting that Oprah’s influence could be both a blessing and a curse. Walters cautioned that being at the top of the media world could isolate her from reality, and as Oprah’s fame reached new heights, Walters suggested that Oprah should be mindful of the personal cost such widespread influence could exact on her relationships and integrity.

3. Howard Stern

Radio personality Howard Stern has long been outspoken in his criticisms of Oprah. Stern has questioned her authenticity and questioned the notion of Oprah as a self-help guru. In particular, he has criticized Oprah’s promotion of self-help books and spiritual leaders, arguing that many of the guests she brought onto her show were not as credible as they were presented. Stern has also hinted at the idea that Oprah’s empire is, in some ways, built on exploiting people’s insecurities. While Stern often uses humor to make his points, his criticisms have prompted fans to reconsider the way Oprah wields her power in the media.

4. Sharon Osbourne

Television personality and reality star Sharon Osbourne has had her own contentious relationship with Oprah. Osbourne, known for her sharp tongue, has called out Oprah for being overly controlling of her image. Osbourne criticized Oprah’s ability to mold the public image of celebrities and said that Oprah’s “brand” sometimes overshadowed the actual work or achievements of those she chose to spotlight. For Osbourne, Oprah’s way of dominating the media landscape left little room for other personalities to shine on their own terms.

5. Tommy Lee

Rock musician Tommy Lee, best known as the drummer for Mötley Crüe, publicly spoke out about Oprah’s interview style and the way she handled celebrities on her show. He felt that Oprah’s soft, probing interviews sometimes felt more like “therapy sessions” than journalistic inquiries. Lee believed that Oprah’s influence was at times manipulative, encouraging guests to open up in ways that felt uncomfortable or disingenuous. He even criticized Oprah’s treatment of him during his appearance, suggesting that she wasn’t interested in a fair or balanced conversation.

6. Gail King (Oprah’s Best Friend)

Although Oprah’s best friend, Gail King, often defends her, there have been moments when King has subtly warned Oprah to be cautious of her influence. In various interviews, King has highlighted how the intense public scrutiny Oprah faces can sometimes be overwhelming, and she’s occasionally urged Oprah to step back from the limelight to preserve her personal well-being. Gail King, a prominent TV personality herself, is well-aware of how the media can both build and break careers and has advised Oprah to strike a balance between fame and personal peace.

Oprah Winfrey’s career has been filled with both admiration and criticism. While many celebrities have praised her for her contributions to media and her philanthropic efforts, others have warned against the potential dangers of her immense influence. From Tom Cruise’s concern over media portrayals to Howard Stern’s critique of her spiritual guests, these stars have pointed out the risks of idolizing or blindly following a figure like Oprah. In the end, these warnings show that, while Oprah’s influence is undeniable, it’s important to remain critical of those who shape public opinion.