Oprah Winfrey ripped for $1M Harris campaign payment 'lie' as she says it was paid to her production firm

WASHINGTON, DC: Oprah Winfrey is facing criticism online following her remarks about a $1 million transaction from Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign to her production company, Harpo Productions.

The media tycoon initially refuted the receipt of such payment when approached by TMZ earlier this week, asserting that the compensation reports were incorrect.

However, upon further clarification, Winfrey confirmed that the payment was made, but it was directed to Harpo Productions.

Oprah Winfrey responds to backlash over $1 million claim

In an Instagram post by The Shade Room featuring a video of Oprah Winfrey being confronted by a TMZ videographer, where she denied receiving personal payment from the campaign, commenters noted that it is absurd to think that the affluent Winfrey would demand $1 million for a candidate endorsement.

In the comments, Winfrey replied, “Thank you so much for saying this. I want to high five you and give you a hug. Usually I am reluctant to respond to rumors in general, but these days I realize that if you don’t stop a lie, it just gets bigger."

She went on to explain, “I was not paid a dime. My time and energy was my way of supporting the campaign. For the live-streaming event in September, my production company Harpo was asked to bring in set design, lights, cameras, microphones, crew, producers, and every other item necessary (including the benches and chairs we sat on) to put on a live production."

"I did not take any personal fee. However the people who worked on that production needed to be paid. And were. End of story,” Winfrey concluded.

Oprah Winfrey faces backlash after explaining $1 million payment as production costs

Despite her explanation, the clarification immediately ignited online criticism. Critics swiftly accused Oprah Winfrey of "lying" about the payment, particularly after the campaign confirmed that a substantial amount was designated for production expenses, not her personal fee.

A user said, "Money laundering and lying is all they do,"

Another added, "Stop, just admit it already, we know. These elites make me laugh."

One commentator remarked, "She's trying to save face after getting caught in the spotlight."

"So she lied. Got it," said a critic.

A person stated, "Everyone should be able to see through that lie."

Another user chimed in, "$1M for the set of a 90 minute interview. How much did each chair cost? This needs to be investigated."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.