'Queen of gaslighting': Internet shreds Oprah Winfrey as WeightWatchers stocks crash following her exit after weight-loss drug use confession

Oprah Winfrey's exit from the WeightWatchers board after revealing her drug-induced weight loss secret has attracted online trolls
PUBLISHED MAR 1, 2024
Oprah Winfrey was called out by netizens following her medication-aided weight loss confession (WireImage)
Oprah Winfrey was called out by netizens following her medication-aided weight loss confession (WireImage)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Oprah Winfrey faced significant backlash when news broke of her departure from WeightWatchers, sparking widespread discussion on social media. This sudden move resulted in a sharp decline in WeightWatchers' stock value.

In a candid revelation recently with WeightWatchers' CEO, the talk show icon confessed to using weight-loss medications to attain her current physique, revealing that she took the step because she was deeply affected by years of criticism and body shaming.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 22:  Oprah Winfrey speaks during Oprah's 2020 Vision: Your Life in Focu
Oprah Winfrey's exit accounted for a 25% drop in WeightWatchers stock (Getty Images)

WeightWatchers stocks plummet after Oprah Winfrey's exit

According to ABC News, the value of WeightWatchers stocks took a big hit, dropping by more than 25% before the market opened. This steep decline came right after Winfrey declared she wouldn't run for re-election to the board during the May annual meeting.

Winfrey, a board member since 2015, confirmed her departure in a statement from the company. Although the stock briefly rebounded at the opening bell, it remained down by 23% by midday Thursday.

While WeightWatchers is known for its ethical weight loss and fitness services, Winfrey's admission of past use of weight-loss medications raised concerns among Internet users about her role as a board member.

Additionally, Winfrey announced her intention to "donate" her WeightWatchers shares to the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), asserting, "I have been a long-time supporter of this worthy organization, and I am proud to continue my support."

Oprah Winfrey attends the Film Independent at LACMA Special Screening and Q&A of
Oprah Winfrey underwent a dramatic weight loss (WireImage)

With a stake of approximately 10% in the company, Winfrey is one of WeightWatchers' largest shareholders.

Thilo Semmelbauer, chairman of the board, expressed gratitude saying, "Oprah has been an inspiring presence and passionate advocate for our members, providing critical insights and counsel that has helped shape WeightWatchers over these last 8 years."

Further concluding his statement, Semmelbauer noted, "On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank her for her energy, dedication, and for continuing to play a role as collaborator and thought partner going forward. What I know for sure, we will dearly miss her presence on the Board," reported ABC News.

Internet labels Oprah Winfrey 'the queen of gaslighting'

Winfrey became the target of trolls on Facebook as they slammed her amid WeightWatchers' stock downfall.

A user wrote, "Billionaire Behavior. Lie to the poor or hopeless to stay rich...LOL"

Another netizen wrote, "She should come clean about the other evils she's done."

One individual commented, "I can't wait for her to be exposed for all of her lies!"

Another user branded Winfrey as "the queen of gaslighting."

A scathing comment read, "🙌🤣🤣🙌🙌good - she never lost weight - in ten years. Suddenly. She lost with the O shot."

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.

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