Oprah Winfrey Faces Backlash Over 'Inappropriate' 2004 Interview with the Olsen Twins

Oprah Winfrey Faces Backlash Over 'Inappropriate' 2004 Interview with the Olsen Twins

Oprah Winfrey is facing criticism after a 2004 interview with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen resurfaced this week. Viewers were particularly taken aback by a moment in which the talk show host asked the then-17-year-old twins, "What size are you?" This question has been widely criticized as inappropriate, especially given that Mary-Kate was rumored to be struggling with an eating disorder at the time.

Later that same year, Mary-Kate, now 38, sought treatment for anorexia. The resurfacing of the interview comes just after Oprah, 71, made headlines for discussing her own use of weight loss medication, which she had previously criticized as the "easy way out" in a January podcast conversation with Dr. Ania Jastreboff.

Oprah's Interview Draws Criticism as It Resurfaces

In the controversial clip, Winfrey appeared to casually bring up the rumors about the twins' eating habits. "I know a new rumor [that has] recently surfaced has really upset you, right?" she asked. After the twins hesitated, Winfrey continued, “You know, the one about eating.”

Ashley Olsen responded, saying, “Yeah, you know people are going to write what they’re going to write. We try not to read the good or the bad because it just comes with the territory.” Winfrey interrupted, adding, “Either you’re too fat, too skinny, and people are just gonna write what they…”

The conversation took an uncomfortable turn when Winfrey asked, “What size are you, by the way?” The twins seemed surprised, and Mary-Kate explained that they were naturally “petite.” Winfrey, who has been open about her own struggles with weight, responded sarcastically, “Oh, that’s so interesting!” This remark prompted laughter from the audience, while the twins smiled awkwardly. Winfrey then commented, “I’m obsessed with size and you’re like, ‘I really don’t know!'” Mary-Kate quickly attempted to shift the topic, saying, “If we were obsessed with our size, it’d be, I don’t know, a different story.”

Later that year, Mary-Kate entered a rehabilitation center to address her anorexia, making Winfrey's comments even more unsettling in retrospect. Viewers have since taken to social media to express their dismay. One commenter called Winfrey's behavior "totally inappropriate," while another described her remarks as "disgusting."

Backlash Grows on Social Media

The clip has gone viral on TikTok, where users have slammed Winfrey for her intrusive questioning. One user wrote, "Shame on Oprah," while another questioned, "Why pick on kids??? I’ll never understand that!" A third commenter said, “Oprah has no business asking—please.” Others stated that Winfrey "crossed the line" with her questions about the sisters’ "size."

Oprah's Recent Weight Loss Journey Sparks Further Controversy

The interview resurfaced as Oprah was in the news for revealing her use of weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, which helped her shed almost 50 pounds. In 2023, she admitted to using a GLP-1 medication, which is commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes but also aids in weight loss. This revelation surprised her fans, as Oprah had previously criticized such medications, calling them the “easy way out.”

In January, Oprah reflected on her weight loss journey in a podcast conversation with Dr. Jastreboff, discussing how using GLP-1 medication changed her perspective on weight and eating habits. She revealed that taking the medication made her realize that what she once believed was "willpower" in thin people was actually the absence of "food noise"—the constant preoccupation with food.

Oprah also shared her experience of being publicly shamed for her weight throughout her career. She recalled being ridiculed in the media and by comedians, but now understands that her size never made her inferior.

In December 2023, Oprah announced that she had used a GLP-1 to lose 40 pounds and vowed to "stop the shaming," embracing a healthier approach to weight management, which also included activities like hiking.

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