With a net worth in the billions, it is clear to say that Oprah Winfrey found success in the world of interviews, and these days, she's spending her money on whatever she pleases.
However, not everyone is impressed with her interview style, even if it brings in the ratings. Howard Stern ripped Oprah over her interview alongside Adele. Others have also been critical of her work, including David Letterman.
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When looking back at her career, there will always be one interview that sticks out the most. It is still talked about to this day and in addition, it would also lead to Oprah almost getting canceled, after taking part in a special about the person she interviewed way back in 1993.
Let's take a look back at that interview, along with a few other memorable ones.
It Wasn't Oprah's First Interview To Receive Millions Of Viewers, "Oprah With Meghan and Harry" Reached An Audience Of 15 Million
Prior to online and sources like Netflix, cable TV was frequently watched by millions upon millions, especially when it came to live TV interviews. Among the most-watched of all-time, including a handful of interviews from Oprah.
The second most-viewed interview of all-time actually took place in March of 2021, featuring 'Oprah with Meghan and Harry'. The interview alongside The Royals was a smash hit.
Other notable interviews that took place include Barbara Walters alongside Monica Lewinsky back in '99, which featured a near 50 million viewers, along with David Frost interviewing Richard Nixon back in 1977 on CBS.
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Despite those huge numbers, one interview in particular nearly doubled that. It took place back in 1993, featuring a musical icon who hadn't spoken to the media in 14 years at the time. To this very day, the interview alongside Oprah at the 'Neverland Ranch' is still being talked about.
Oprah's Controversial Interview With Michael Jackson Was His First In 14-Years And Broke Records
The interview took place at the 'Neverland Valley Ranch' back in February of 1993. The interview shattered records with an audience of 90 million. It was a tense atmosphere, given that MJ didn't take part in an interview for 14 years.
Oprah started off the interview by asking Jackson if he was nervous, to which he responded, "no."
Oprah would also make it clear that the questions weren't asked or reviewed by Jackson prior to the interview, so nothing was off-limits.
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Jackson was asked a bit of everything during the controversial interview, including childhood traumas, tabloid stories and so much more. Jackson laughed off some of the questions, including the rumor that he slept in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Jackson made it clear during the interview, assumptions and gossip made by the tabloids should never be believed unless the actor person confirms it.
Jackson ended the conversation on a strong note, discussing his life's purpose.
"To give in the best way I can through song and through dance and through music," Michael said. "I believe that all art has as its ultimate goal the union between the material and the spiritual, the spiritual and the divine. I believe that that's the reason for the very existence of art, and I feel I was chosen as an instrument to give music and love and harmony to the world."
Looking back, Oprah's legacy took a bit of a hit, as MJ fans were none too pleased with some of the questions asked during the interview.
Looking Back, Fans Weren't Pleased With The Interview And Questions Asked Against Michael Jackson
Following HBO's 'Leaving Neverland', which featured some strong backlash, Oprah held her own special, 'After Neverland'. The special was not taken all that well by fans, given the allegations made by Oprah during the program.
"So many in media, inc @Oprah, blindly taking #LeavingNeverland at face value, shaping a narrative uninterested in facts, proof, credibility. We faced similar "graphic" claims + trial-by-media in '05. Jury saw through it all. Trial-by-law proved Michael's innocence long ago. Fact."
Fans would further state that Oprah would do anything for ratings, while not mentioning her other troublesome friendships, like with someone like Harvey Weinstein.
"You're a sellout and two-faced. Anything for ratings and fame and trying to still be relevant. Destroying an innocent man's name and Legacy just to make yourself look good, and keep the attention away from the real monsters out there."
"Oprah I don't think there's much juice in Michael Jackson's bones at this point. What about your friends Harvey Weinstein or John of God who have abused 100s of people #AfterNeverland."
Without a doubt, Oprah didn't do herself any favors with the 'After Neverland' special years later.
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