Over the decades, Oprah Winfrey has established herself as a media mogul, a voice of empathy, and an influencer within Hollywood. But recent controversies reveal a different side to her empire, drawing scrutiny over her connections and decisions that don’t align with the public persona she’s carefully built. Nowhere is this more evident than in her association with João Teixeira de Faria—better known as “John of God”—a Brazilian faith healer Oprah once praised and endorsed on her show. Tragically, this “healer” was later convicted of appalling crimes, sentenced to 63 years in prison for abusing hundreds of women. This association has sparked broader questions about Oprah’s role in Hollywood, revealing a pattern that some argue reflects deeper issues within her sphere of influence.

Oprah once hosted “John of God” on her show, presenting him as a man of miraculous healing abilities. She even praised him, claiming to have had a “profound experience” in his presence. However, the facade crumbled when the truth about João’s crimes emerged, showing that the “spiritual healer” had been exploiting his influence for horrific acts. To many, Oprah’s initial endorsement now feels like a severe misstep, highlighting a repeated pattern of amplifying voices that later faced allegations or fell from grace. While Oprah has not directly addressed this association in recent years, the exposure of her ties to João suggests a more complex narrative at play in her life.

Another incident adding fuel to the fire involves supermodel Cindy Crawford, who recently reflected on a troubling memory from her early career. At just 20 years old, Crawford appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, where she was objectified in front of a live audience. Recalling the experience, Crawford shared that Oprah asked her to stand and “show off her body,” directing questions to her manager as if Cindy were a mere figurehead without her own voice. Looking back, Cindy says she didn’t fully understand the extent of this objectification at the time, only later realizing how deeply it had affected her.

This uncomfortable moment, hidden away for years, resurfaced recently, stirring public criticism of Oprah’s handling of young female celebrities. The interview, which Oprah promptly removed from YouTube, further raised suspicions that Oprah sought to erase parts of her past that don’t align with her current brand. Even longtime friend Gayle King expressed surprise, admitting the interview was troubling in hindsight.

The Voices Speaking Out

The increasing scrutiny on Oprah’s choices has led to voices within Hollywood expressing frustration with the power dynamics in elite circles. Comedians Dave Chappelle and Cat Williams, known critics of the entertainment industry, have also spoken about the hidden manipulations that allegedly occur within these elite groups. Williams even highlighted the orchestrated nature of certain events, pointing to moments like the infamous Oscar slap involving Will Smith and Chris Rock, which he claimed were staged to exploit and control Black celebrities. His words suggest a belief in an organized effort to profit from Black talent while suppressing true autonomy.

Williams’ revelations touch on more than individual incidents; they hint at a larger, systemic issue. He even mentioned his suspicions about a so-called “secret society” that allegedly includes the wealthiest and most influential figures in the world, from Warren Buffett to Bill Gates, and yes, Oprah herself. Williams urged caution to Black celebrities, advising them to be wary of the elite club’s influence and the hidden costs of fame. Although many are quick to dismiss such claims as conspiracy theories, Williams’ accusations have nonetheless added weight to the growing unease around Oprah’s position in Hollywood.

Dave Chappelle and Hollywood’s Blacklist

Another celebrity whose experiences shed light on Hollywood’s dark side is Dave Chappelle. Known for his sharp criticism of the entertainment industry, Chappelle’s departure from his own show, and later his struggles to return, stand as a testament to the risks of speaking