Current:Home > reviewsOprah Winfrey Addresses Claim She Was Paid $1 Million by Kamala Harris' Campaign -TradeGrid
Oprah Winfrey Addresses Claim She Was Paid $1 Million by Kamala Harris' Campaign
View
Date:2025-04-17 17:50:47
Oprah Winfrey is setting the record straight on her involvement with Kamala Harris' presidential campaign.
The former talk show host denied rumors that she was paid a $1 million personal fee to appear alongside the vice president—who lost the 2024 election to Donald Trump—at the Sept. 19 Unite for America live-streaming event in Detroit.
"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 wrote on Instagram Nov. 11. "I was not paid a dime. My time and energy was my way of supporting the campaign."
While Winfrey said her Harpo Productions company was asked to supply the set—including lights, cameras, microphones and chairs—for filming, she "did not take any personal fee" for her appearance.
"However, the people who worked on that production needed to be paid. And were," the 70-year-old added. "End of story."
Harpo Productions also confirmed Winfrey's story, with a spokesperson telling Variety that the Harris campaign only "paid for the production costs of Unite for America."
"Oprah Winfrey was at no point during the campaign paid a personal fee," the rep continued, "nor did she receive a fee from Harpo."
Winfrey was a vocal champion of Harris in the months leading up to Election Day Nov. 5. In addition to the Unite for America event, she delivered a 15-minute speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in August, as well as appeared at Harris' final campaign rally earlier this month.
"I know that some of you are feeling burnt out and bruised and maybe inconsequential," the media mogul told a Philadelphia crowd Nov. 4, one day before the election. "Nothing could be further from the truth: Every single vote is going to matter."
Harris, 60, formally conceded to Trump, 78, on Nov. 6, promising that the current administration under President Joe Biden "will help him and his team with his transition."
"A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results," she told her supporters gathered at her alma mater of Howard University in Washington, D.C. "That principle, as much as any other, distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny, and anyone who seeks the public trust must honor it."
To see which celebrities voted in the 2024 election, read on.
The "Applause" singer didn't need a million reasons to get her vote on.
Hot Girl Summer? More like Hot Girl Election Day for the "Savage" rapper.
The Oscar winner celebrated her first time voting, captioning her video on Instagram, "I VOTED!!! Your girl is a #VirginVoter NO MORE!!!"
The Star Trek alum struck a pose with her "I Voted" sticker in both English and Spanish.
The 7th Heaven actress looked like she was on cloud nine after casting her ballot.
"Don’t sit this one out," the comedian wrote on Instagram. "Vote with your conscious."
The Step Up alum stepped up to the ballot box with her youngest daughter Rhiannon.
"With your vote today, give yourself a voice that can make the change that you envision in the world," the Friday Night Lights alum wrote on Instagram. "And feel how good that feels. Joy."
The Precious star filled out her ballot at home, joking, "When you vote at the kitchen counter, you can wear what you want."
"Get out and VOTE!" the Blue Lagoon actress wrote on Instagram. "This is probably the most important election in our lifetime."
"We voted!" the Substance actress shared on Instagram. "Voting is such an important part of our democracy, don’t forget to exercise your right to vote!"
The Frozen star didn't let his ballot go to waste.
"I hope you all exercised your fundamental right to vote and have your voice heard today," the Oscar winner wrote on Instagram Nov. 5. "I DID!"
The Orange Is the New Black alum showed off her Georgia peach sticker.
It may be a Tuesday, but the Wednesday actress headed to the polls nonetheless.
The "My Type" rapper tapped into voting.
Beyoncé's mom got into formation on Election Day.
The rocker gave voting a good name.
Looks like the Big Bang Theory alum made a big bang at the ballot box.
The 30 Rock alum and his wife snapped a selfie after voting in New York City.
"It's a privilege and a duty," the Modern Family star captioned his voting selfie. "VOTE!"
The model struck a pose with her "I Voted" sticker.
The Queer Eye star had his sights set on voting this year.
"If you ask nicely," the late night talk show host joked, "they’ll put the sticker on your head."
The musician and the Reno 911! star made voting into a morning date.
Not need to wait for it: The How I Met Your Mother alum already cast his vote.
The Sisterhood of Traveling Pants alum traveled all the way to the voting booth.
The two pals took to the voting booths together.
"Please remember that whoever you are and wherever you live," the Friends alum wrote on Instagram, "your voice matters. Your VOTE matters."
The Abbott Elementary star shared her A+ election day selfie.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (25)
Related
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Post-Roe v. Wade, more patients rely on early prenatal testing as states toughen abortion laws
- Longtime NPR ‘Morning Edition’ host Bob Edwards dies at age 76
- Patrick Mahomes wins Super Bowl MVP for third time after pushing Chiefs to thrilling OT win
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- 'I blacked out': Even Mecole Hardman couldn't believe he won Super Bowl for Chiefs
- How Raquel Leviss Really Feels About Tom Sandoval Saying He's Still in Love With Her
- Republican effort to restore abortion rights in Missouri folds
- 2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
- Tiger Woods starts a new year with a new look now that his Nike deal has ended
Ranking
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- Rizz? Soft-launch? Ahead of Valentine's Day, we're breaking down modern dating slang
- Republican Michigan lawmaker loses staff and committee assignment after online racist post
- Two fired FirstEnergy executives indicted in $60 million Ohio bribery scheme, fail to surrender
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- Flight attendants don't earn their hourly pay until aircraft doors close. Here's why
- During Mardi Gras, Tons of Fun Comes With Tons of Toxic Beads
- States target health insurers’ ‘prior authorization’ red tape
Recommendation
At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
All about Lift Every Voice and Sing, known as the Black national anthem, being sung by Andra Day at the 2024 Super Bowl
Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs leave no doubt in Super Bowl: They're an all-time NFL dynasty
Hundreds of protesters opposed to bill allowing same-sex marriage rally in Greek capital
Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
Trump faces Monday deadline to ask the Supreme Court for a delay in his election interference trial
49ers' Dre Greenlaw knocked out of Super Bowl with Achilles injury after going back onto field
Proof Jason Kelce Was the True MVP of the Chiefs Super Bowl After-Party