Oprah Winfrey distances herself from Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz

Oprah Winfrey has distanced herself from television personalities Dr. Phil McGraw and Dr. Mehmet Oz following their shift toward right-wing politics and support for Donald Trump. In an interview with Emmy magazine, Winfrey addressed criticisms regarding her association with the two men, whom she helped launch into stardom via ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’ and Harpo Productions.

Winfrey stated, ‘Everybody has their own path in life, and it has not one thing to do with me, and I don’t have one thing to do with them.’ She noted that her original intention in providing them with media platforms was based on the belief that they possessed valuable information to share.

The relationship with McGraw dates back to 1998, when he provided support during a Texas defamation trial involving the beef industry. Winfrey described him as ‘practical’ and ‘down to earth’ at the time of their initial professional connection.