Oprah Releases a Statement Slamming Fake Claims of Arrest for Sex Trafficking

The media mogul’s name began trending on Twitter late yesterday evening.

Yesterday evening Oprah’s name began trending on Twitter, the tweets featured users declaring she was involved in sex trafficking, a raid, and an arrest. Early Wednesday morning, Winfrey tweeted a response clearing the air about the alleged incident that users shared happened at her Boca Raton, Florida home. 

Her tweet read, “Just got a phone call that my name is trending. And being trolled for some awful FAKE thing. It’s NOT TRUE.” She also wrote, “Haven’t been raided, or arrested. Just sanitizing and self distancing with the rest of the world. Stay safe everybody.”

Ava DuVernay also took to her personal Twitter account to dispel the rumors. She tweeted that the trending originated in an online message forum for teenagers and adults. 

DuVernay wrote:

“Trolls + bots began this disgusting rumor. Mean-spirited minds kept it going. #Oprah has worked for decades on behalf of others. Given hundreds of millions to individuals + causes in need. Shared her own abuse as a child to help folks heal. Shame on all who participated in this.

What’s a bit disturbing about the allegations is the fact that Twitter users went to extreme lengths to connect Winfrey to two defamed public figures: Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein. While there were many who wrote negative tweets, there were others who defended Winfrey.

Two months ago, the media mogul stepped down as executive producer of an upcoming documentary on Russel Simmons’ sexual abuse allegations. Her name was reportedly removed from the credits following a disagreement with the film’s directors.