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Since Kamala Harris‘ shocking upset in the 2024 general election, rumors have been swirling about her campaign. Recently, a number of online claims have alleged Kamala’s campaign paid celebrities, including Beyoncé, Megan Thee Stallion, and Oprah, big bucks to hit the trail. One user wrote on X that the aforementioned stars were paid anywhere from $1 to $10 million. However, according to Oprah herself, that’s simply not true.
The megawatt star was seen spending some alone time on a hiking trail shortly after the election. During her chat with the paparazzi, Oprah cleared up some of the rumors that Kamala Harris paid her a million dollars to speak on her behalf. When asked whether the endorsement fee was true, the iconic talk-show host said that claim was “not true.” She continued, saying, “I was paid nothing. Ever.”
Oprah’s statement comes days after the Washington Examiner published an inside look at the Harris campaign’s financial decisions before the November 5 election. Although Kamala and her team raised over $1 billion, the report notes they outspent Trump’s team. According to the numbers, “event production” was a big source of the campaign’s spending. The publication also noted they paid out $1 million to Oprah’s Harpo Productions in mid-October. So, what did the Big O have to say about it?
Oprah Denies Payment From Kamala but Admits Her Team Was Paid
After Oprah’s denial about payment from Kamala went viral, she issued a follow-up statement on Instagram. Replying to a user’s comment that Oprah’s support couldn’t be purchased, the billionaire said they were absolutely right.
“Usually, I am reluctant to respond to rumors in general,” she wrote, explaining that they tend to boil over and cause more drama. However, she wanted to clear the air. “I was not paid a dime.” Winfrey continued by explaining that her “time and energy” was her way of showing Kamala that she believed in her. She also explained that the live stream event she spoke at required her production company to provide resources, including “lights, cameras, microphones, crew, producers” and all other “necessary” items to pull off a live show. “I did not take any personal fee. However, the people who worked on that production needed to be paid. And were. End of story.”
Oprah’s Harpo Productions is a multimedia production company based in California. The name is “Oprah,” spelled backward, and also references the name of her fictional husband from the film The Color Purple. As of 2012, the company had over 12,500 employees and was involved in several blockbuster productions. The latest film Harpo Productions worked on was the 2023 remake of The Color Purple, but they’ve been linked to 2009’s Precious and 2014’s Selma.
Fans Are Split Regarding Kamala’s Campaign Paying Harpo Studios
Following Oprah’s revelation that Kamala’s campaign paid her staff for working, users jumped online to voice their opinions. “So, in other words … you were paid,” one user wrote. “Her production company could have [eaten] the costs. Oprah’s endorsement was bought.” A second fan also commented, seemingly agreeing with the sentiment above. “Bitch, you should’ve paid them,” they wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “That’s the point, and that’s how you show support. Not bleeding the campaign just so you can put your name on it. Greedy billionaire bloodsucking bitch.” A third fan said her explanation was “irrelevant” and she should’ve “opened her own g*d damn purse.”
More social media users chimed in, calling Oprah out for giving her fans the politician spin. From their eyes, although she was not personally paid, her production company was. And after paying out her employees, the business still made a profit.
However, those criticizing her aren’t the only ones with something to say. One user defended the celebrity, saying it’s not difficult to understand that some “wealthy individuals supported Kamala” as they did Trump. “Why do Republicans think if it’s not their way, it’s a lie, a conspiracy, or unimaginable?” Someone else also commented, saying people are too concerned about stuff that has no impact on them.
Lastly, @m_eazy145 on Instagram reminded readers that Oprah has billionaire pockets, not her employees. “Political candidates literally have budgers for these types of expenses. … We shouldn’t expect people to do free labor in this economy.”
