Fact Check: Did RFK Jr post a comment accusing Oprah Winfrey of overeating?

WASHINGTON, DC: A viral social media post claiming Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr publicly criticized Oprah Winfrey for “overeating” has sparked widespread debate online. The message, presented as a direct statement from Kennedy, circulated rapidly on X and other platforms, with many users questioning whether it was authentic.

The post appeared to reference Winfrey’s recent remarks about weight, obesity, and the use of GLP-1 medications, leading some to believe Kennedy was personally attacking the media mogul. A closer look at the origin of the post, however, raises serious doubts about its legitimacy.

Claim: Robert F Kennedy Jr mocked Oprah Winfrey’s eating habits

The claim centers on a post shared from an account using a variation of Kennedy’s name and profile image. The message was framed as an open letter to Winfrey and accused her of overeating for years, rejecting the idea that genetics played a role in obesity.

The post stated that Winfrey’s struggles were due to personal choices rather than biology and criticized what it described as “selling surrender as science.” Screenshots of the post were widely shared, with many users assuming it reflected Kennedy’s personal views and official stance.

According to social media users, the message was a response to Winfrey’s recent public comments about weight, dieting, and obesity, which she discussed during a televised appearance earlier this month

Fact Check: The post was not authored by Robert F Kennedy Jr

The account responsible for the viral post was not affiliated with Kennedy. Its bio clearly identified it as a commentary or parody-style account and explicitly stated that it had no connection to the real Robert F Kennedy Jr.

A review of Kennedy’s official X account showed no record of the post or any similar statements targeting Winfrey. Searches across his verified social media platforms also produced no evidence that he had commented on her eating habits or weight.

As a result, the statement was falsely attributed to Kennedy and did not originate from him or his office. 

Why the claim gained traction online

The false post circulated shortly after Winfrey discussed her long-standing struggles with weight and dieting during an appearance on The View on January 14. During the interview, Winfrey reflected on how her understanding of obesity had evolved over time.

She explained that she once believed overeating was solely a personal failure, but later came to view obesity as a condition influenced by genetics and biology. Winfrey also credited GLP-1 medications with helping quiet what she described as constant “food noise.”

The timing of her remarks, combined with the inflammatory tone of the viral post, likely contributed to the claim spreading quickly before its authenticity was verified.