Oprah Winfrey has publicly addressed rumors suggesting she was paid by Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential campaign to endorse the candidate. Following widespread speculation, Winfrey directly responded, clarifying that her support for Harris was both voluntary and unpaid.
Oprah Winfrey Sets Record Straight, Dismisses Rumors of Payment for Campaign Support
Winfrey initially responded to a fan defending her on social media. “Y’all thinking Oprah’s support can be purchased is beyond me,” wrote the fan. In response, Winfrey expressed her gratitude and explained her motivations, saying, “Thank you so much for saying this. I want to high five you and give you a hug.” She continued, “I was not paid a dime. My time and energy was my way of supporting the campaign.”
To further clarify, Winfrey detailed how her production company, Harpo Productions, was involved in the September “Unite for America” live-streaming event in Detroit. Winfrey explained that her company managed logistics, providing set design, lighting, cameras, microphones, and a full crew. She emphasized that she personally received no payment. “I did not take any personal fee,” Winfrey stated, adding, “However, the people who worked on the production needed to be paid. And were. End of story.”
Harpo Productions later echoed her statement, confirming that neither Winfrey nor Harpo received personal fees. A spokesperson explained that while the Harris campaign covered the production costs for the “Unite for America” event, Winfrey’s endorsement was purely voluntary. “Oprah Winfrey was at no point during the campaign paid a personal fee, nor did she receive a fee from Harpo,” the statement read.
The rumors reportedly began after some outlets speculated that the Harris campaign spent $1 million on the event, leading to claims that Winfrey herself received the payment. On being questioned by TMZ, Winfrey responded firmly, “Not true. I did not get paid a penny. Ever.”